‘The Exorcist: Believer’ to Haunt Peacock in December

The Exorcist franchise is back with a vengeance, and its latest installment, “The Exorcist: Believer,” is set to possess Peacock’s streaming platform on December 1. Directed by David Gordon Green, this film marks the first chapter in a reboot trilogy that follows the chilling legacy of the iconic horror classic originally helmed by William Friedkin and penned by William Peter Blatty.

The storyline of “The Exorcist: Believer” takes place fifty years after the harrowing possession of Regan MacNeil, portrayed memorably by Linda Blair. This time, we are introduced to a new character, photographer Victor Fielding, played by Leslie Odom Jr. Victor’s world is turned upside down when his daughter, portrayed by Lidya Jewett, and her friend, Olivia O’Neill, vanish into the woods without a trace, only to return with no recollection of their ordeal but with malevolent forces in tow. Desperate for answers and help in confronting the pure evil that now possesses the two girls, Victor turns to Chris MacNeill, portrayed by the returning Ellen Burstyn. Chris is the only other person on record to have experienced a similar nightmare, having battled Pazuzu in the original trilogy.

“The Exorcist: Believer” generated significant excitement and anticipation among horror enthusiasts. With the original film’s revered status in the genre, David Gordon Green’s reboot had big shoes to fill. The return of Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair to their respective roles from the original trilogy was a promising sign. Additionally, the film boasted a talented cast, including Leslie Odom Jr., who had recently delivered an outstanding performance in “Glass Onion”, alongside Jennifer Nettles, Norbert Leo Butz, Ann Dowd, Okwui Okpokwasili, and Raphael Sbarge.

However, despite all the initial buzz and high expectations, “The Exorcist: Believer” struggled both critically and commercially. With a budget of $30 million USD and a total worldwide box office earnings of $133 million USD, it fell short of its potential. Critics gave it a lukewarm 22% score on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences were only slightly more forgiving with a 59% approval rating. Many saw it as a missed opportunity, a classic legacy sequel that relied too heavily on established characters without offering something truly innovative.

The stakes are high for David Gordon Green and Blumhouse as they prepare for the sequel, “The Exorcist: Deceiver,” scheduled for release on April 18, 2025. Whether they can breathe new life into the franchise remains to be seen. In the meantime, horror fans can prepare for the haunting presence of “The Exorcist: Believer” on Peacock starting December 1. It’s worth noting that the film is still in theaters and opening in various territories worldwide, including Ireland, Poland, and South Korea.

In “The Exorcist: Believer,” viewers will witness the gripping story of Victor Fielding, a man who has carried the weight of tragedy for over a decade following his wife’s death in a Haitian earthquake. Leslie Odom Jr. delivers a compelling performance as Victor, a father who must confront unimaginable evil when his daughter and her friend disappear, only to return with no memory of their ordeal. The return of Ellen Burstyn as Chris MacNeill adds a nostalgic and eerie touch to the film, as she reprises her iconic role, forever scarred by the events of five decades ago.

So, mark your calendars for December 1, 2023, as “The Exorcist: Believer” prepares to take possession of Peacock, bringing a new chapter of supernatural terror to the small screen. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original or a newcomer to the franchise, the chilling story of demonic forces and human resilience is sure to captivate and terrify.

Release Date: October 6, 2023
Director: David Gordon Green
Cast: Ellen Burstyn, Leslie Odom Jr., Ann Dowd, Raphael Sbarge
Runtime: 121 minutes
Main Genre: Horror

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Horror Reboot

More about Horror Reboot

• Official Peacock Streaming Platform
• David Gordon Green – Director
• Ellen Burstyn – Actress
• Linda Blair – Actress
• Rotten Tomatoes – Critics and Audience Reviews
• The Exorcist: Believer – IMDb
• The Exorcist: Deceiver – Upcoming Sequel