Key Takeaways:
– Mike Flanagan, renowned horror filmmaker, was officially confirmed as the director for the next Exorcist movie last week.
– The new Exorcist movie comes after a preceding instalment by Blumhouse failed to impress at the box office.
– Flanagan admitted feeling “terrified” at the prospect of making a new movie in the iconic horror franchise.
– The filmmaker, known for his work on Doctor Sleep, sees the new Exorcist project as a “bold and terrifying” undertaking.
– Flanagan will be reuniting with Blumhouse for this project and has received full support from its founder, Jason Blum.
Taking the Horror Helm
In light of recent box office disappointments and scathing reviews, Blumhouse was deemed necessary to bring in a fresh face for its Exorcist franchise. Last week, horror aficionado Mike Flanagan was officially announced as the director for the next instalment of the ominous saga. This move, signalling a “radical new take” for the Exorcist series, has resulted in Flanagan expressing his “terrifying” anticipation for the project.
Making a Statement, One Scare at a Time
Speaking at the ATX festival, Flanagan asserted his vexation over tackling this new film project. While the Exorcist's inaugural movie left an unforgettable mark in the annals of horror cinema, its succeeding sequels have been inconsistently successful. This inconsistency, as acknowledged by Flanagan, presents an imposing challenge. Nonetheless, the director sees in it a chance to avoid adding another title to the franchise's less successful endeavours.
Bright Spot on the Small Screen
In the midst of mixed fortunes for the Exorcist franchise, Flanagan singled out its TV series as a notable highlight. Spanning two seasons on Fox, the Exorcist series left a positive impression on the director, hailing it as a “brilliant” turn towards an upward course for the franchise.
Staying Positive Amidst Nervous Anticipation
Despite his confessed nervousness, Flanagan has received widespread fan support, with many believing in his ability to deliver a thrilling project. In recalling his initial days while directing Doctor Sleep, Flanagan shared the daily nervousness he grappled with and subtly posited a similar feeling towards his upcoming directorial task.
A Freedom to Innovate
The upcoming installment will not be a sequel to The Exorcist: Believer. This move allows Flanagan a broader canvas to experiment and present something novel to the ardent fans of the canon. In a recent statement, the director cited the Exorcist as a crucial inspiration behind his filmmaking career, expressing admiration for the opportunity to contribute to its universe.
Fruitful Reunion with Blumhouse
Flanagan has previously collaborated with Blumhouse on various projects, which he considers among his favourite works. Their reunion has ignited excitement in his creative team, a sentiment echoed by Blumhouse founder and CEO, Jason Blum. The studio chief asserted Flanagan's indispensable place among horror fans, displaying confidence in his new vision for the world of The Exorcist.
The New Exorcist: A Fresh Perspective
Mike Flanagan's new direction for the Exorcist franchise promises to rejuvenate the series, potentially spooking longtime fans and newcomers alike. With Blumhouse and its dedicated genre fandom firmly supporting him, Flanagan has every chance of soaring with this new movie, despite being understandably daunted by the enormous task ahead.
