Mike Flanagan’s Exorcist Isn’t a Remake Because ‘There’s No Point’

As a long-time horror enthusiast and follower of Mike Flanagan’s work, I am beyond excited about his upcoming take on The Exorcist. His commitment to creating the scariest movie he’s ever made is music to my ears. After the disappointing Believer, it’s a breath of fresh air to hear that Flanagan is steering clear of retreading ground and instead focusing on something new that harmonizes with the original masterpiece.


Mike Flanagan is currently recognized as one of the most respected and influential figures in horror filmmaking and television, with hit series like “Midnight Mass,” “The Haunting of Hill House,” “Doctor Sleep,” “Oculus” and more. His next project will be a fresh interpretation of the scariest movie in horror history – William Friedkin’s adaptation of William Peter Blatty’s “The Exorcist.” During an interview with Josh Horowitz for his podcast “Happy Sad Confused,” at New York Comic Con, he alleviated any concerns fans might have had.

After the disappointing reception and commercial flop of David Gordon Green’s movie “The Exorcist: Believer,” it’s crucial to move on to fresh ideas. This film received such harsh criticism that it overshadowed the positive goodwill generated by his 2018 “Halloween” remake, even more so than the sequels of that reboot. Green’s proposed trilogy for another “Exorcist” was abandoned, leading to Mike Flanagan taking over with a new concept. According to Vulture, Flanagan’s goal is straightforward:

My objective is to create the most terrifying film I’ve ever produced, aiming to produce something so frightening that it gives even me a chill.

Admirable Inspiration

At New York Comic Con, Flanagan shared some interesting details about his upcoming “Exorcist” movie. Although he didn’t reveal any solid facts, the information provided was still intriguing. It appears that he is drawing inspiration from past events while carefully avoiding areas that have already been explored exceptionally well, given how Friedkin’s original film was a groundbreaking masterpiece that not only had a massive box office success but also received critical acclaim.

For me, “The Exorcist” holds a special place as it significantly influenced my perspective. I watched it at an early age and it left quite an impact. Since then, numerous sequels, prequels have been made, but none have managed to replicate its original essence. Attempting to remake or retell “The Exorcist” seems futile. The story has already reached its pinnacle; there’s little point in trying to recreate or surpass it.

As a film enthusiast, I find myself yearning for something fresh, yet complementary to what’s already been done. Not a rehash, not a reproduction, not a modernized version. Instead, a completely original piece that resonates with the essence of its predecessors, but stands on its own as a unique cinematic experience.

Flanagan firmly believes that no sequel to “The Exorcist” has ever been as brilliant as the original, and this assessment appears spot-on. However, one film that has gained more appreciation over time is “The Exorcist III”. It seems that Flanagan also appreciates the adaptation of Blatty’s “Legion” in a favorable manner.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I delved deep into the intricate world of “The Exorcist III” for my latest review. This isn’t just about dissecting William Friedkin’s film; it’s also about understanding the third installment, a masterpiece directed by the film’s original author, Blatty himself. After all, to truly appreciate this horror classic, one must study every layer of its complex narrative.

“I believe there are several concepts presented here that warrant deeper examination. Furthermore, I adore this film immensely. In my opinion, it boasts one of the most effective jump scares ever filmed. The hospital hallway sequence is truly mind-blowing if you’ve yet to witness it.” (Or)

He’s right. For anyone who hasn’t seen The Exorcist III, it’s an interesting off-shoot of the original film, and it absolutely contains one of the best jump scares of all time. It’s dragged out just enough to hold tension without becoming exhausted, and then it snaps at you like a viper. It seems Flanagan is taking inspiration from the best elements of the IP, and if anyone is going to lead the franchise forward in a way that’s satisfying for fans (and financial backers), it’s him.

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2024-10-21 02:03