Universal has dropped an eerie new trailer for The Exorcist: Believer, the highly-anticipated sequel to the iconic 1973 horror classic, The Exorcist. This spine-chilling preview promises a fresh perspective on the age-old battle against demonic forces, offering fans a new and thrilling chapter in this enduring horror franchise.
A Familiar Face and a Dark Legacy
In the trailer, fans catch a glimpse of Ellen Burstyn, reprising her original role as Chris MacNeil from The Exorcist. The brief nod acknowledges the horrifying possession of her daughter Regan by the malevolent demon Pazuzu in the original film.
However, The Exorcist: Believer places Burstyn’s character in a supporting role as Victor Fielding (played by Leslie Odom Jr.) seeks her help after his daughter Angela (Lidya Jewett) and her friend Katherine (Olivia Marcum) become possessed by sinister forces.
A Dire Confrontation
The trailer crescendos with a menacing message from the demonic presence controlling the two girls, foretelling that only one will survive the impending exorcism while the other faces a grim fate. This ominous declaration sets the stage for a suspenseful and heart-pounding battle between good and evil, promising to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
A Continuation of Horror Legacy
The Exorcist: Believer directly follows the events of the original Exorcist, while still acknowledging the canonical sequels. Director David Gordon Green, renowned for revitalizing the Halloween franchise with Blumhouse, assures fans that this installment offers a distinct cinematic experience. Unlike the Halloween reboot trilogy’s slasher genre, Believer adopts a more researched and academic approach, focusing on intricate narratives and dramatic relationships.
Release Date Shuffle
Initially slated for an October 13 release, The Exorcist: Believer surprised fans with an earlier debut on October 6. The unexpected change came in response to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concert film, which was scheduled to open on the original release date. The film’s producer, Jason Blum, humorously commented on the date shift on social media, playfully referencing a Taylor Swift song.
A Golden Anniversary
2023 marks the 50th anniversary of The Exorcist franchise, celebrating its enduring legacy in the horror genre. The original film, based on William Peter Blatty’s 1971 novel, made cinematic history by becoming the first horror movie nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.
As The Exorcist: Believer prepares to haunt theaters on October 6, fans can look forward to a thrilling continuation of the iconic horror saga. With an intriguing blend of familiar faces, new challenges, and a dark legacy, this sequel promises to be a must-see for horror enthusiasts and fans of the franchise alike.