Recent news on May 1, 2024, revealed that Mike Flanagan is stepping in as an executive producer for the indie horror film Shelby Oaks. Now, there are talks of him directing the next Exorcist film for Blumhouse and Universal.
Known for his work on Stephen King adaptations like Gerald’s Game and Doctor Sleep, as well as Netflix hits like The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass, Flanagan has established himself as a prominent figure in the horror genre.
While Blumhouse and Universal have yet to comment officially, reports from Deadline suggest that Flanagan might take over The Exorcist franchise, replacing director David Gordon Green. Green departed from the project after The Exorcist: Believer faced criticism upon its release in January.
The Exorcist franchise, acquired by Universal and Blumhouse for $400 million from Morgan Creek in 2021, was intended to see three films directed by Green, mirroring the recent Halloween trilogy. However, the underwhelming performance of The Exorcist: Believer, earning just $137 million and receiving a 22% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, led to a change of plans.
Flanagan’s potential involvement could signal a positive shift for the franchise. His meticulous storytelling and success in the horror genre, with acclaimed films like Oculus and Hush, offer hope for revitalizing the series. Blumhouse founder Jason Blum confirmed plans for another Exorcist movie but expressed a desire for more time to develop the concept.
With Flanagan on board, fans anticipate a fresh take on the iconic horror series. Meanwhile, they can look forward to Flanagan’s upcoming film, The Life of Chuck, featuring a star-studded cast including Tom Hiddleston, Mark Hamill, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Karen Gillan.
