Posted in: Blumhouse, Movies | Tagged: blumhouse, david gordon green, The Exorcist, The Exorcist: Deceiver, universal
The Exorcist Looking For New Director As David Gordon Green Exits
David Gordon Green has left The Exorcist franchise and isn't directing the next film. It has also been taken off the release schedule.
Article Summary
- David Gordon Green departs from The Exorcist franchise after underperforming sequel.
- The Exorcist: Deceiver removed from Universal's schedule amid director search.
- Despite modest earnings, The Exorcist sequel falls short of Universal's expectations.
- The Exorcist's future uncertain as Blumhouse reevaluates direction post-Green's exit.
The Exorcist needs a new director. According to Deadline, David Gordon Green has left the franchise after his film The Exorcist: Believer opened in October of 2023 to low box office and a pretty poor reception. The next movie in the franchise, The Exorcist: Deciever, has now been taken off the release schedule by Universal while they hunt for a new director. Worldwide, Green's film made $135 million, not too bad considering how little the production costs were, but a fraction of what Universal needed the film to do after paying $400 million for the franchise rights in a bidding war. Blumhouse is looking for a new director now.
The Exorcist May Be In Trouble Here
Most would argue that The Exorcist didn't need to be a franchise in the first place. A few sequels came out after the iconic original to little success both at the box office and critically. This was no different with Believer, as many scratched their heads and wondered why Universal and Blumhouse especially would go so far out on a limb to secure the franchise after not taking any risks like that in the past. They produced three Halloween sequels, all directed by Green, and grossed $500 million. They thought they could strike gold again. Except Michael Myers is a beloved horror icon, and The Exorcist has had so many copycats over the years that there is nothing that feels special about it anymore.
Now, they have a real problem, not unlike what Paramount is facing with the Scream franchise. There is no roadmap to follow, and bringing in fresh eyes doesn't feel like the answer. This is going to be interesting to follow, and I would actually say it is 50/50 if we even see another film come to fruition. Stay tuned.