The Exorcist (1973) – The film, the franchise, and the "curse" behind it

This year’s Elevenses film club Spooktober special goes deep into the first horror film ever to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture: The Exorcist (1973). Elysia, David, and John bring their range of experiences – from lifelong aficionado to first-time watcher – into a discussion delving into the special collaboration between book author / screenwriter William Blatty and director William Friedkin, and how this movie helped to define their already exceptional careers. Along the way, they discuss the franchise as a whole, the alleged “curse” behind the production, behind-the-scenes stories, and what’s coming next in The Exorcist universe.

The Exorcist franchise:

• The original trilogy: The Exorcist (1973), Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977), Exorcist III (1990)
• William Blatty’s Trilogy of Faith books: The Exorcist (1971), The Ninth Configuration (1978) [1980 film adaptation], Legion (1983, adapted into Exorcist III)
• The dueling prequels: Exorcist: The Beginning (2004) vs. Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist (2005)
• Alternative sequels: The Exorcist TV series: (2016-2017, 2 seasons, 10 eps ea.) vs. The Exorcist: Believer (2023)
• The Mike Flanagan “reboot” (partial sequel to Exorcist III): The Exorcist: Martyrs (2027) [trailer]

Other key links discussed:

• SNL parody: The Exorcist 2 (feat. Richard Pryor)
• Documentaries about the original film: The Fear of God: 25 Years of The Exorcist (1998) and Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on The Exorcist (2019)
• The Exorcist II documentary: Boorman and the Devil (2026) [trailer]

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