Mike Flanagan Set to Direct ‘Radical New Take’ on The Exorcist for Blumhouse

Mike Flanagan, known for his work on “Doctor Sleep” and various acclaimed horror projects, has officially signed on to direct and produce a new film in The Exorcist franchise for Blumhouse and Morgan Creek. This comes after the disappointing reception of “The Exorcist: Believer” in 2023, which led to a strategic rethinking of the planned trilogy. David Gordon Green, who directed “Believer,” exited the project in January 2024, prompting Blumhouse to bring in Flanagan for a fresh direction.Flanagan expressed his excitement about the project, emphasizing the opportunity to create something innovative while reuniting with Blumhouse. His previous collaborations with Blumhouse include successful horror films such as “Oculus” (2013), “Hush” (2016), and “Ouija: Origin of Evil” (2016). Flanagan is also renowned for his Stephen King adaptations and critically acclaimed Netflix series like “Midnight Mass” and “The Haunting of Hill House.”

Jason Blum, co-founder of Blumhouse, shared his enthusiasm for working with Flanagan again and is eager for audiences to experience this new take on The Exorcist franchise. Initially, “The Exorcist: Believer” was intended to launch a new series of films, but its poor reception halted those plans. The film featured franchise veterans Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair but still garnered only a 22% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

With the cancellation of “The Exorcist: Deceiver,” Flanagan’s upcoming film is described as an “all-new story set in The Exorcist universe” and not a sequel to “The Exorcist: Believer.” It remains uncertain whether Flanagan’s film will reference the events of the 2023 movie or if Burstyn and Blair will reprise their iconic roles.

The next installment in The Exorcist series was initially slated for RELEASE on APRIL 18, 2025, but this date may shift due to recent developments.