A new trilogy of films continuing the legacy of the 1973 horror classic The Exorcist is now in early development, with filmmaker David Gordon Green attached to direct the first entry. The project, which originated as a single sequel idea, has evolved into a planned three-film series produced by horror-specialist Blumhouse and set up at Universal Pictures. This new direction aims to revisit the iconic material from William Friedkin’s original while expanding the story for modern audiences.
David Gordon Green is a versatile director whose career spans intimate dramas, broad comedies and recent, commercially successful horror. He first gained attention with films such as George Washington, then moved into mainstream comedy with titles like Pineapple Express. More recently, Green revitalized the Halloween franchise with a 2018 entry that balanced respect for the original with fresh storytelling. That film was a notable critical and box-office success, and Green has since overseen two follow-up Halloween films. Universal’s decision to bring him on board for the Exorcist revival reflects confidence in his ability to blend reverence for the source material with contemporary genre filmmaking.
The new Exorcist films will be produced by Blumhouse, a company known for producing tight-budget horror films that often yield strong returns and cultural impact. Blumhouse’s participation signals an intention to ground the franchise in tense, character-driven horror while aiming for broad audience appeal. Universal’s involvement positions the trilogy to be a major tentpole series for the studio and a potential strategic asset for their streaming platform.
An early casting announcement confirms that Ellen Burstyn will reprise her role as Chris MacNeil, the mother who first encountered the supernatural events in the 1973 film. Burstyn’s return reunites the series with one of its most recognizable performances. Her portrayal in the original earned wide acclaim and helped define the emotional core of that film. Bringing her back connects the new trilogy directly to the original’s legacy while offering opportunities to explore the long-term consequences of those events on her character.
Also joining the cast is Leslie Odom Jr., who is expected to play a father seeking MacNeil’s help after his child appears to become possessed. Odom Jr. has established himself across stage and screen with acclaimed performances, and his casting suggests the new trilogy will center on intimate, human stories set against supernatural threat. The premise as described positions Odom Jr.’s character as a catalyst for renewed conflict and investigation into the phenomenon that defined the original film.
Plot details beyond the basic setup remain scarce, but the combination of returning legacy characters and new protagonists indicates the trilogy will attempt to bridge eras. The involvement of Blumhouse and David Gordon Green implies a creative approach that blends psychological tension, character focus and modern genre techniques. Universal may also view these films as valuable content for its streaming service, aiming to attract subscribers with exclusive franchise offerings while pursuing traditional theatrical releases.
The production timeline for the first installment has been discussed in industry reports with a target release window in October 2023, aligning the project with the Halloween season to maximize audience interest. However, as development continues, schedules may change depending on scripting, casting, and production logistics. No official title for the first film has been announced.
As the franchise develops, fans and horror enthusiasts can expect further casting news and creative updates. The challenge for the new trilogy will be honoring the atmosphere and thematic weight of the original The Exorcist while telling fresh stories that resonate with contemporary viewers. With a director experienced in revitalizing legacy horror and a production team known for effective genre storytelling, the project has the components to be a notable return to one of cinema’s most enduring supernatural sagas.
At this stage, the production remains in its early phases. Concrete details about the screenplay, additional cast members, and specific release dates are pending official announcements from the studio and production partners. For now, the return of Ellen Burstyn and the addition of Leslie Odom Jr. mark the first confirmed connections between the original film and this new chapter of Exorcist storytelling.