The spine-chilling terror of The Exorcist franchise is set to return this October with the release of The Exorcist: Believer. As the first installment in a planned trilogy, the film is not a reboot but a direct sequel to the original 1973 classic, directed by David Gordon Green. The newly released trailer promises a deliciously evil continuation of the iconic story.
A Father’s Nightmare Unfolds
In the trailer, Leslie Odom Jr. takes on the role of a concerned father who drops his daughter off at school, only to discover that she and her friend have mysteriously vanished. Though the girls are eventually found, something is unsettlingly different about them. They can’t recall how much time has passed, and eerie occurrences start to plague their lives. As both sets of parents search for answers, they cross paths with Chris MacNeil, portrayed once again by Ellen Burstyn, reprising her role from the original film. Burstyn’s character is well aware of the grave danger the girls are in, and she confronts the ghosts of her past as the sinister events unfold.
Continuing the Legacy of Horror
Director David Gordon Green is determined to honor the original film’s legacy while adding a fresh and sinister twist. The Exorcist: Believer follows the storylines of the 1973 film, highlighting the continued threat posed by the Devil. The desperation of the parents as they seek help brings them to Chris MacNeil, whose daughter, played by Linda Blair in the original, was once possessed by the malevolent entity Pazuzu. The 1973 film’s impact on pop culture was immense, earning a rare Academy Award nomination for Best Picture, among others. The creators of Believer aim to carry that legacy forward.
A Film for All Audiences
Producer Jason Blum assures fans that while Believer pays homage to the original, it remains accessible to all audiences, whether they are familiar with the 1973 classic or not. He envisions a movie that satisfies die-hard Exorcist fans, even if they were initially skeptical about the continuation, while also offering an enjoyable experience to newcomers who are encountering the world of The Exorcist for the first time.
An Impressive Ensemble Cast
The Exorcist: Believer boasts an impressive ensemble cast. Alongside Ellen Burstyn’s reprisal of her iconic role, Leslie Odom Jr. takes the lead as the concerned father. Jennifer Nettles joins as the mother of another possessed child, who teams up with Odom Jr.’s character in their quest for answers. The roles of the two young girls possessed by the demonic spirit are portrayed by Lidya Jewett and newcomer Olivia Marcum. The supporting cast includes talents such as Ann Dowd, Raphael Sbarge, and Okwui Okpokwasili.
Mark Your Calendars
The Exorcist: Believer is set to hit theaters on October 13th, bringing back the spine-chilling horror and captivating storytelling that the franchise is known for. Fans and newcomers alike can look forward to a haunting experience as they witness the continuation of a timeless classic. Get ready for an October filled with scares, shocks, and sinister surprises.