While working on his Halloween sequel trilogy, director David Gordon Green was presented with an intriguing opportunity to breathe new life into the iconic 1973 horror film, The Exorcist. In 2021, Universal and Peacock acquired the rights to the venerable franchise for a staggering $400 million, setting the stage for Green’s sequel centered around the parents of two possessed teenage girls. Ellen Burstyn, who originally starred in the 1973 film, reprises her role as Chris MacNeil, an actress who seeks help from Chris’s character in dealing with a demonic entity that possessed her daughter in the original movie.

THR published this recent interview.

Green, known for his Halloween trilogy, initially had no plans to take on another classic horror franchise but was drawn to The Exorcist by the prospect of telling a deeply personal and meaningful story. He aimed to explore themes of faith, identity, and motherhood while bringing a fresh perspective to the iconic series.

The film blends different religious and belief systems, highlighting their common threads and emphasizing unity. Green underscores the universal aspects of belief systems that often transcend cultural and religious boundaries, bringing different philosophies together to confront a common threat.

While Green intended to invite the late director of the original Exorcist, William Friedkin, to a screening, Friedkin was known to be skeptical about the franchise’s continued expansion. Green was eager to show the end result to Friedkin and have a dialogue about their respective films.

Regarding the release date of The Exorcist: Believer, Green discussed the decision to move it from a Friday the 13th release to avoid clashing with Taylor Swift’s concert film, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. He highlighted the exciting potential for crossover interest between the two projects.

Green, who appreciates flexibility in filmmaking, emphasized his non-rigid approach to planning a trilogy. He prefers to adapt to the creative process, incorporating the input of collaborators, particularly actors, as the project evolves. Although he has a roadmap for the trilogy, he remains open to evolving ideas and experiences throughout the filmmaking process.

Green also touched on his friendship with Ellen Burstyn, describing their conversations as deep and inspiring. He praised Burstyn’s autobiography and shared his admiration for her immense talent and impact on Hollywood.

The interview concluded with a discussion of casting the film’s teenage girls and how they approached the roles of being possessed. Green clarified that they initially looked for talent to portray the ailment aspect of the characters rather than focusing solely on demon possession. Once selected, the young actresses underwent extensive makeup and prosthetic work, supported by the guidance of Linda Blair.

Regarding the Halloween franchise, Green expressed his excitement for the future but emphasized that he hadn’t considered his next move in the series. He suggested that Malek Akkad and Trancas Films would explore innovative approaches to the beloved franchise.

The interview also briefly touched on Jeff Nichols, a longtime friend and fellow filmmaker, and his upcoming film, The Bikeriders.

“The Exorcist: Believer” is currently showing in theaters.