Halloween filmmaker David Gordon Green is ready to take on another horror classic. Green is in talks to direct a sequel to The Exorcist for Blumhouse and Morgan Creek Productions. Observer first reported the news.
William Friedkin directed the original The Exorcist, which became a sensation in 1973 and went on to earn $193 million globally, making it the highest-grossing, R-rated horror movie of all time until it was dethroned by 2017’s It. The film told the tale of a 12-year-old girl possessed by a mysterious entity and the lengths her mother and two Catholic priests go to in an attempt to save her.
It was adapted from William Peter Blatty’s 1971 novel, and earned the author an adapted screenplay Oscar. The film was nominated for ten Oscars in all, including best picture and best director, as well as acting nominations for Ellen Burstyn, Jason Miller and Linda Blair
The Exorcist remains a cultural touchstone and has spawned numerous sequels, and in 1983, Blatty published Legion, a book sequel to his first novel. As for Friedkin, he has been vocal that he will not be involved in any sequel.
The new film continues Green’s relationship with Blumhouse, where he helmed 2018’s Halloween, which successfully reignited the franchise and earned $255.8 million on a $10 million budget. Green has two sequels on the way: Halloween Kills (2021) and Halloween Ends (2022). In addition to becoming a go-to horror director in recent years, Green has a strong name in the world of comedy with work on TV series such as Eastbound and Down, Vice Principles and The Righteous Gemstones.
Green is repped by CAA.
