Mike Flanagan in Talks to Direct Next Installment in The Exorcist Franchise
The Exorcist franchise is getting a reboot, with Mike Flanagan set to take over as director.
Producer Jason Blum recently hinted at a franchise rethink after the lackluster performance of last year's The Exorcist: Believer, which served as the first film in a planned trilogy directed by David Gordon Green. The sequel, The Exorcist: Deceiver, was initially delayed after Green's departure, and it looks like Flanagan will be bringing his fresh take to the franchise.
Flanagan is a prolific horror filmmaker who is known for directing hits such as Doctor Sleep, Gerald's Game, and The Haunting of Hill House. His involvement could signal a turn-around for the franchise, which has been experiencing some uncertainty.
The first film, The Exorcist: Believer, starred Leslie Odom Jr. and Ellen Burstyn and served as a sequel to the original Exorcist film. It brought back the legacy character of Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair) in its final moments, suggesting that the character could return for future installments.
At the helm of the franchise, Flanagan will hopefully steer it in a new, successful direction.