Mike Flanagan Calls 'The Exorcist' His Chance to Create the Scariest Movie Yet

‘The Exorcist’ franchise has seen a mix of successes and failures since its iconic 1973 debut and the critically acclaimed ‘The Exorcist III’. After the 2023 reboot faltered, the next chapter is now in the hands of director Mike Flanagan, who is determined to create a fresh and impactful entry in the series. Flanagan emphasizes that his film will pay homage to the original while steering clear of relying on nostalgia. He aims to bring something entirely new to the franchise, distinguishing his project from previous instalments and their attempts to revive the series.

Flanagan acknowledges the weight of continuing a franchise with mixed critical reception but is eager to tackle the challenge. He told The Hollywood Reporter, "We aren't making it easy on ourselves," and expressed confidence that his film will explore aspects of the story that past movies have not. Flanagan’s approach will not involve mere callbacks or Easter eggs but will instead focus on creating an original and terrifying experience.

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Having previously directed acclaimed Stephen King adaptations such as ‘Gerald's Game’, ‘Doctor Sleep’, and ‘The Life of Chuck’, Flanagan is well-versed in handling established horror properties. His successful horror television series, including ‘The Haunting of Hill House’, ‘The Haunting of Bly Manor’, ‘Midnight Mass’, and ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’, further demonstrate his ability to create compelling and frightening narratives. Despite the recent disappointment of ‘The Exorcist: Believer’, Flanagan’s new project promises a distinct story within the franchise, aimed at captivating both old and new audiences.

Set for release in  2026, Flanagan’s film is expected to offer a novel and chilling take on the Exorcist universe, moving beyond the religious themes that may not resonate with today’s viewers.

–Farheen Ali