In the horror genre, resurrection is a recurring theme.
Universal and Blumhouse’s latest installment in the horror franchise, “The Exorcist: Believer,” is hitting theaters this weekend and has already raked in $2.85 million in Thursday previews.
This R-rated film is projected to have an opening weekend box office haul between $30 million and $36 million, setting a new record as the best debut in the franchise’s history. Among the previous five movies, the original 1973 “Exorcist” remains the reigning champion with a staggering lifetime box office earnings of $441 million.
The new film doubles the exorcisms of the original storyline, following the eerie three-day disappearance of two young girls who return under the sinister influence of demonic forces. To combat the evil spirits that have possessed them, they seek the help of Chris MacNeil, portrayed by the original “Exorcist” star Ellen Burstyn. The new cast features Leslie Odom Jr., Ann Dowd, Jennifer Nettles, Norbert Leo Butz, and introduces Lidya Jewett and Olivia Marcum as the two possessed preteens.
“The Exorcist: Believer” is intended to launch a fresh trilogy of movies under the direction of David Gordon Green, known for successfully reviving the “Halloween” franchise with a three-movie return featuring Jamie Lee Curtis. A sequel, titled “The Exorcist: Deceiver,” is already scheduled for release on April 18, 2025. Acquiring the rights to “The Exorcist” alone cost Universal a hefty $400 million.
Towards the end of August, “The Exorcist: Believer” narrowly dodged a scheduling clash with the surprise announcement of “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour,” which was initially set for Oct. 13, coinciding with the movie’s original release date. The concert film is expected to dominate the box office upon its debut.
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