Mammoth news kicked off the week when it was reported that Universal Pictures and Peacock were purchasing the rights to produce a brand new The Exorcist trilogy alongside Morgan Creek and Blumhouse.
The announcement included the first casting and story details, with Leslie Odom Jr. (Hamilton, Knives Out 2) reportedly playing the father of a possessed child.
Desperate for help, he tracks down
Oscar-winning actress Ellen Burstyn is set to reprise her role as Chris MacNeil, but what about the great Linda Blair, who played the possessed and tortured Regan MacNeil?
Blair took to Twitter to answer fan cries, explaining that, as of this writing, she has yet to have any discussions about reprising her role.
“To all my fans asking about my involvement in the new Exorcist reboot, as of now there has not been any discussions about me participating or reprising my role.”
The important phrase in this paragraph is “as of now,” which would indicate that a conversation has yet to happen, but could. There’s a plan for a trilogy here and it’s likely director David Gordon Green would not only want to keep a surprise like this secret, but possibly save it for one of the further sequels.
No matter, Blair is offering her blessing: “I wish all those involved the best and I appreciate the loyalty and passion the fans have for The Exorcist and my character.”
The first film in the trilogy will be released theatrically on October 13, 2023.
#TheExorcist pic.twitter.com/MXU5axqSNz
— Linda Blair (@RealLindaBlair) July 26, 2021