Summary

• Mike Flanagan is in talks to direct the next Exorcist film after David Gordon Green stepped away.
• The latest installment was poorly received, resulting in Green exiting the franchise despite plans for a revived trilogy.
• Flanagan's involvement and direction for The Exorcist: Deceiver is still uncertain, but his horror credentials make him seem like the perfect candidate.

Mike Flanagan is in talks to direct the next installment of The Exorcist franchise, possibly The Exorcist: Deceiver, following Believer director David Gordon Green stepping away from the series. The latest installment in the supernatural horror franchise was poorly received, earning universally negative reviews from critics and audiences alike. Following this, Green exited the franchise, even though two more movies had been planned for the in-development revival trilogy.

Now, Deadline reports that Flanagan is in talks to direct the forthcoming The Exorcist: Deceiver, helping Universal and Blumhouse's fulfill plans for a new trilogy. It's unclear how many movies the esteemed horror director would be involved in, either directing the movie or taking over the franchise. It is not confirmed how much of Green's original plan he would pull from, and how much would be his original work.

Can Mike Flanagan Save The Exorcist Franchise?

Flanagan Is An In-Demand Director

Flanagan is best known for his critically praised horror TV shows, including The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass, and The Fall of the House of Usher. He’s also directed many horror movies, with his next work being The Life of Chuck adaptation, based on the Stephen King novella of the same name. His works often blend horror with larger themes, like loss and death, making his projects stand out within the horror genre. Because of these attributes of his work, it makes sense why he would be tapped to revitalize The Exorcist franchise.

Given how poor reception was to The Exorcist: Believer, it's possible Flanagan's contribution to the franchise would not continue the story of the latest movie. This can help set it apart from the poorly-received revival, making it so the film isn't required viewing for those seeking out a new movie in the franchise. However, with the original plan for the franchise being a trilogy, it's unclear if dedication to that idea can be shifted or not. Even so, having the next installment be more standalone could help draw audiences back into the series.

While it seemed The Exorcist trilogy was doomed because of the first film's negative reception, Flanagan's involvement in The Exorcist: Deceiver could be enough to give the franchise new life. However, its success may depend on how much prior knowledge from the less well-received films will be required to understand its story. Even so, the horror director's credentials make it very likely his take on the franchise will respect the original while adding unique elements that make it stand out.

The next film in The Exorcist franchise does not have a release date.

Source: Deadline