The power of The Exorcist: Believer compelled audiences to attend theatres for its debut, but unfortunately, not in the volume Universal had been hoping for.
Initially projected to gross $30-36 million from its opening weekend, David Gordon Green’s legacy sequel sadly underperformed. After making $2.8 million from its Thursday night showings, Universal stuck by their $30 million projection, despite a very negative critical reception.
Despite the studio’s optimism, The Exorcist: Believer ultimately debuted to $27.2 million, slightly underperforming, but still managing to top the domestic box-office.
Elsewhere, the film made an additional $17.8 million, taking The Exorcist: Believer’s global total to $45.1 million. Whilst this is above the film’s $30 million production budget, it is unlikely the film will turn a profit, after Universal allegedly paid an eye-watering $400 million for the series rights.
Despite the largely negative reception and Believer’s underperformance, it has still become the second-most-successful Exorcist film at the box-office.
The reception leaves the future of the series under question, as two more films are planned. A sequel, The Exorcist: Deceiver, is scheduled for release on April 18th 2025. As of Monday October 9th, this sequel is still on the cards, however, that could change, especially given recent quotes from writer-director David Gordon Green.
Green has spoken out following The Exorcist: Believer’s debut, and suggested he may take a step back from directing duties for the two planned sequels.
So, with everything so unclear following The Exorcist: Believer’s reception, we’ll just have to wait and see what the future holds. We’ll be here to report any further news as it comes in.
