In a very unexpected move, July 25th 2023 brought us not only the debut of a stunningly eerie trailer for The Exorcist: Believer, but also the announcement of a sequel.
Blumhouse and Universal shocked genre fans and news outlets alike as we all processed our thoughts on the newly released trailer, only to be blindsided by the announcement of The Exorcist: Deceiver, due April 18th 2025.
Whilst we were all aware of the initial announcement in 2021 that outlined David Gordon Green’s intention to make an Exorcist legacy trilogy akin to his Halloween output, word was circling that the second and third chapters may be exclusive to streaming service Peacock.
This only seemed all-the-more plausible when initial test screenings of The Exorcist: Believer weren’t particularly complimentary. But we can only speculate and were indeed proven incorrect with this surprise announcement.
Whilst very little is known about Deceiver at present, the fact it has been announced and put on the fast track before Believer has even seen release means that all involved agree it will do quite well.
Green assured genre fans when beginning work on Believer that story outlines for three movies were in place, and that he intended to co-write and direct all three films.
Whilst we don’t know if any cast will return, fans are already hopeful that the announcement of a sequel may mean that original Exorcist star Linda Blair still has a chance at a central role. Whilst rumours of a cameo or a small role in The Exorcist: Believer continue to swirl; nothing has been confirmed.
Intriguing times ahead, as The Exorcist looks towards a huge public resurgence after 18 years away from the big screen. Will everything go as hoped, or has a sequel been announced prematurely? We’ll be here to report all the happenings following The Exorcist: Believer’s release on October 13th 2023.
The Exorcist: Deceiver is set to follow 18 months later, on April 18th 2025.
