Horror favorite Mike Flanagan will take over “The Exorcist” franchise at Blumhouse with a new film totally separate from critically panned sequel “The Exorcist: Believer”…
Mike Flanagan — best known for his work on TV series such as “The Haunting of Hill House” and “The Fall of the House of Usher” not to mention films like “Doctor Sleep” and “Hush” — has been tapped to write and direct a new film in “The Exorcist” series for Blumhouse.
The studio announced the news on Wednesday with Flanagan providing “a radical new take” on “The Exorcist” franchise with the new film sharing no ties to the 2023 sequel “The Exorcist: Believer,” which was directed by David Gordon Green.
Details about the plot aren’t available yet but Blumhouse stated specifically that Flanagan’s film is “an all new story” set in “The Exorcist” universe. This serves as the fourth time Flanagan has teamed with Blumhouse after previously working with the studio on “Oculus,” “Hush” and “Ouija: Origin of Evil.”
“The Exorcist is one of the reasons I became a filmmaker, and it is an honor to have the chance to try something fresh, bold, and terrifying within its universe,” Flanagan said in a press release. “Reuniting with my friends at Blumhouse, with whom I’ve made some of my favorite pieces of work, only makes this more exciting.”
Flanagan taking over “The Exorcist” franchise is a welcome change after “The Exorcist: Believer” failed to connect with critics or audiences this past year. While the film did earn $137 million on a $30 million budget, the expectations were much higher after Paramount paid a whopping $400 million to secure the rights to distribute future films in “The Exorcist” series.
Originally, Green was supposed to develop a trilogy in “The Exorcist” series but it appears those plans have been scrapped after he decided not to return for the sequel and now with Flanagan taking over to provide a new direction for the franchise.
“Mike’s voice and vision are indispensable for horror fans and we are excited to welcome him back to Blumhouse,” Blumhouse founder and CEO Jason Blum said. “I immediately responded to Mike’s new take on the world of The Exorcist and can’t wait for audiences to experience it.”
There’s no word yet on when Flanagan will deliver his new film set in “The Exorcist” universe but his arrival is welcome news after the disappointing returns for “The Exorcist: Believer.” If you want to hear our full review on that film, you can listen below:
