The Exorcist franchise is a household name in the horror genre, known for its spine-chilling tales of demonic possession and exorcism. From its inception in 1973 with the iconic original film, to its various sequels, prequels, and TV adaptations, the franchise has left an indelible mark on the world of horror cinema. As we eagerly await the upcoming release of “The Exorcist Believer” on October 6, 2023, let’s take a journey through the history of The Exorcist franchise.

1. The Original Classic (1973):
   The Exorcist franchise began with William Friedkin’s groundbreaking film, “The Exorcist” (1973). This film, based on William Peter Blatty’s novel, follows the harrowing story of a young girl named Regan who becomes possessed by a malevolent demon. The film’s intense and horrifying portrayal of exorcism made it a cultural phenomenon and remains a classic of the horror genre.
2. Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977):
   The franchise continued with “Exorcist II: The Heretic” (1977), directed by John Boorman. While this sequel received mixed reviews, it delved deeper into the themes of faith and possession, attempting to explore the aftermath of the original film.
3. The Exorcist III (1990):
   “Exorcist III” (1990), directed by William Peter Blatty, is often considered a return to form for the series. This installment reintroduced the character of Detective Kinderman, played by George C. Scott, as he investigates a series of gruesome murders. The film blended elements of psychological horror and supernatural terror.
4. Prequels: Dominion and The Beginning (2004):
   Two prequels, “Exorcist: The Beginning” and “Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist,” were released in 2004, both exploring the origins of the demon Pazuzu. These films offered different takes on the same story, with “Dominion” being closer to director Paul Schrader’s original vision, while “The Beginning” had a more conventional horror approach.
5. TV Adaptations:
   The Exorcist franchise extended to television with the series “The Exorcist” (2016-2017). This adaptation followed two priests battling demonic forces and received critical acclaim for its character development and suspenseful storytelling.
6. The Exorcist Believer (2023):
   Now, as horror enthusiasts eagerly anticipate October 6, 2023, we look forward to the release of “The Exorcist Believer.” While specific details about the film’s plot remain under wraps, the teaser (https://youtu.be/rSGeC880CYw?si=_b5Ob8vA1PPBQRYH) promises a return to the franchise’s roots, with an emphasis on faith and supernatural horror.

The Exorcist franchise has endured for nearly five decades, offering audiences a mix of chilling horror, psychological tension, and thought-provoking themes. With “The Exorcist Believer” on the horizon, it’s an exciting time for fans to embrace the legacy of this iconic horror series and prepare to be terrified once more by the malevolent forces that lurk within. Be sure to mark your calendars for October 6, 2023, and prepare for a spine-tingling experience that only The Exorcist can deliver.

Why were both prequels made? Prequels: Dominion and The Beginning (2004):

The existence of both prequels, “Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist” and “Exorcist: The Beginning,” stems from a complex series of production and creative decisions. Here’s a brief overview of why both films were made:

1. Initial Production Troubles:
   The production of “Exorcist: The Beginning” began under the direction of Paul Schrader, known for his work as a screenwriter and director. However, after viewing Schrader’s version of the film, the studio, Morgan Creek Productions, was not satisfied with the result and decided to take a different creative direction.
2. Renny Harlin Takes Over:
   In an effort to salvage the project, Renny Harlin, a seasoned director known for action and horror films, was brought in to direct a reimagined version of the prequel. This new version featured significant changes in both the storyline and tone, aiming for a more conventional horror approach.
3. “Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist”:
   While Harlin was reworking “Exorcist: The Beginning,” Paul Schrader’s original version, titled “Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist,” was independently completed. The studio decided to release Schrader’s version as well, resulting in two distinct prequel films.
4. Unique Perspectives:
   “Dominion” and “Exorcist: The Beginning” offered different interpretations of the prequel’s story, exploring the origins of the demon Pazuzu. “Dominion” retained elements of Schrader’s original vision, focusing more on psychological horror and the complexities of faith, while “Exorcist: The Beginning” leaned into more conventional horror tropes.

Ultimately, both films were released to see which version would resonate better with audiences. The decision to release two different prequels was unusual but reflected the studio’s desire to find the most commercially viable approach to the story. It’s a rare example of two different directors tackling the same material within the same franchise, resulting in two distinct cinematic experiences for fans of “The Exorcist.”