Now that “The Exorcist: Believer” is up for purchase from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, enthusiasts of the 50-year-old franchise can delve into and scrutinize every detail of David Gordon Green’s latest horror production – whether it’s the reunion between Linda Blair and Ellen Burstyn, or the fresh demon introduced to the cinematic universe.
Just like Pazuzu in the 1973 movie directed by William Friedkin (The Exorcist), the supernatural entity in Believer is not explicitly named. However, for those who stay till the end credits, a keen-eyed viewer might notice the malevolent spirit in the film is referred to as “Lamashtu,” which was portrayed by Lize Johnston under heavy makeup and prosthetics during the exorcism scene.
The actress expressed on Instagram that she thrives on creating excitement, especially when it comes to kids and their guardians. She proudly stated that portraying Lamashtu was an immense privilege, and she’s overjoyed to have been involved in such a fantastic production. It’s hard to believe that she got the opportunity to embody the demon in “The Exorcist”. Truly, it was a dream come true for her!
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Hold up, let me clarify something intriguing: Why are there two distinct prequels to The Exorcist?
“Mike Flanagan’s Upcoming Exorcist Film Could Be the Scariest Movie I’ve Ever Worked On” – As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but wonder about the distinction between Linda Blair’s experiences working with William Friedkin and David Gordon Green.
The Exorcist: Believer demon, explained
Deriving from Mesopotamian folklore, Lamashtu was frequently linked with stillbirths and the untimely demise of newborn infants, a connection that resonates deeply with Angela Fielding’s traumatic birth in earthquake-hit Haiti as depicted in Believer. It’s worth noting that amulets of Pazuzu were employed by expectant mothers to ward off Lamashtu’s ominous influence.
In an email to NBC Insider, Dr. Scott Poole, a history professor at the University of Charleston and an expert on popular culture and horror, explains that Lamashtu is often depicted as a thief and murderer of infants, and interestingly, she is sometimes portrayed as opposing Pazuzu in this role. He further adds that protective amulets against demons were common in Mesopotamia, and wearing an amulet of Pazuzu could be seen as a unique version of a St. Christopher medal for those who are of childbearing age.
Speculating on the matter, Dr. Poole proposes that the 2025 sequel, “The Exorcist: Deceiver,” might explore how the ancient deity Lamashtu impacted Jewish folklore about Lilith, who is often referred to as the “redacted ‘first wife of Adam.'” In popular understanding, Lilith is depicted as a vampire-like figure and, in more contemporary interpretations, as a sort of anti-establishment character fighting against patriarchal systems. Notably, in the film “Believer,” Chris MacNeil (Burstyn) expresses criticism towards the Catholic Church’s form of patriarchy while reminiscing about her daughter’s exorcism and her encounter with Victor Fielding (Leslie Odom Jr.).
Dr. Poole sums up, “There’s plenty of intriguing happenings here, I must admit I’m unsure about a ‘Pazuzu versus Lamashtu’ kind of clash, reminiscent of ‘Freddy vs. Jason’, but I’d definitely consider tuning in…
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2025-02-20 19:01