Is Mike Flanagan directing a new Exorcist movie after the failure of The Exorcist: Believer? Details explored.

The Exorcist franchise is currently in the works, prepping for a reboot following the backlash that The Exorcist: Believer faced. The film was directed by David Gordon Green and released in 2023.

It was believed that Believer was meant to re-spark the love and appreciation for beloved horror series with a solid plan that included a trilogy. Nonetheless, the movie was widely criticized by critics, which forced Blumhouse and Universal to reassess their wants for a trilogy.

Now, we have on board one of the most acclaimed horror directors, Mike Flanagan, who is stepping into the world of delivering a brand-new take on The Exorcist, which is all set to be released on Friday, the 13th of March, 2026.

Widely known for his unnerving, character-driven horror creations, some of which his filmography includes The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, Doctor Sleep, Midnight Mass, The Fall of the House of Usher & Gerald’s Game, amongst others, Mike Flanagan swears on getting by a fresh approach that could induce newfound life into this iconic horror franchise.

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Flanagan's Vision for The Exorcist

Mike Flanagan is especially distinguished for his creative ability to fuse psychological depth with truly amazingly shot, bone-chilling horror films and TV shows alike. Mike Flanagan labeled his plans for The Exorcist as a "radical new take" on the series during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter:

"I've always felt that there's no point in going into a franchise or into a property that monolithic unless there's something new you can bring," he asserted. "I chased The Exorcist very aggressively because I was convinced, I had something that I could add… I really just saw an opportunity to make the scariest movie I've ever made. I know expectations are high. No one's more intimidated than I am."

Flanagan’s filmography advocates that he’s the right person to take up a new The Exorcist film, and fans also think that he’s one of the few other directors who could be trusted to get the job done right.

Flanagan’s works are distinguished and renowned for their rich characters and capability to balance warm and profound stories while inducing fear and creating a terrifying atmosphere for the audiences.

What Went Wrong with The Exorcist: Believer:

The Exorcist: Believer was an effort by Blumhouse and Universal to try and revive the iconic The Exorcist franchise. However, the way the critics reacted and responded to The Exorcist: Believer made the film less appealing.

Because of how iconic the original Exorcist film by William Friedkin was, The Exorcist has tried to reinvent itself many times, but nothing has ever touched the success level of the original.

The intended sequel, The Exorcist: Deceiver, was drawn back from Universal’s schedule in January 2024. It was originally meant for a release in April 2025, but the project failed in limbo just after Green’s exit. The reaction against Believer made Universal reconsider its approach, and the search began for a new director who could revive the franchise. Enter Mike Flanagan, who now promises to start afresh.

Although the specifics about Flanagan’s The Exorcist reboot remain under covers, early clues suggest that the film will not be tied to Believer or its discarded Deceiver sequel. Whether Mike Flanagan’s movie shall revisit the original story with Reagan and demon Pazuzu or acquaint his audiences with entirely new characters and demons remains to be seen.

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With a release date of Friday the 13th, 2026, Flanagan's directing The Exorcist marks an important turning point for a franchise that has resisted to escape its very first installment back in 1973.

Nonetheless, Mike Flanagan’s ability to create expressive horror stories lines up with the themes that surround The Exorcist, and Flanagan could be exactly what The Exorcist franchise needs to reclaim itself in the horror genre.

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