Harsh Vardhan
The filming of ‘The Exorcist: Deceiver’ is all set to start in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia, on an undisclosed date. Ellen Burstyn, who plays Chris MacNeil in the horror film franchise, is confirmed to reprise her character in the movie. In Blumhouse’s rebooted trilogy, the film will serve as the second chapter, with the narrative seemingly picking up from the intense conclusion of the first installment ‘The Exorcist: Believer.’
In ‘The Exorcist: Believer,’ photographer Victor Fielding and his daughter Angela grapple with supernatural forces after the latter and her friend Katherine go missing during a séance. The girls are found traumatized and mysterious events escalate, suggesting demonic possession. Seeking help, Victor, along with Katherine’s parents and a diverse group of spiritual leaders, attempts an ecumenical exorcism. The demon then forces Victor to choose which girl will live or die, leading to a heart-wrenching decision. The climactic battle involves various religious traditions, resulting in a sacrifice to save Angela. In a surprising twist, the demon reveals the chosen one, leaving the characters to confront the aftermath of their harrowing ordeal.
The plot of ‘The Exorcist: Deceiver’ remains shrouded in mystery, especially after writer and director David Gordon Green’s exit from the film series. The conclusion of ‘Believer’ hints at potential story elements of the upcoming installment, as Katherine, dragged to Hell by the deceptive demon Lamashtu, challenges her parents Tony and Miranda. Tony’s attempt to save Katherine backfires, leading to Angela’s survival. Now aware of the existence of demons and the legitimacy of practices like voodoo and exorcisms, Tony and Miranda may grapple with their newfound knowledge, contemplating unconventional methods to reclaim their daughter.
The complete cast of the upcoming film is still under wraps, with only Burstyn confirmed to feature. While confirmation is pending, potential returnees may include Leslie Odom Jr. as Victor, Lidya Jewett as Angela, and Olivia Marcum as Katherine. Additionally, Jennifer Nettles may feature as Katherine’s mother Miranda, alongside Norbert Leo Butz’s Tony.
Green, who is known for helming the last three films of John Carpenter and Debra Hill’s ‘Halloween’ films, directed ‘The Exorcist: Believer.’ However, he exited the film series earlier this month, only for Universal and Blumhouse to search for a new filmmaker to direct the sequel. ‘Believer’ grossed around $135 million worldwide but was panned by critics, resulting in a Rotten Tomatoes score of 22%.
Atlanta has previously hosted the filming of Blitz Bazawule’s musical period drama ‘The Color Purple’ and Mark Wahlberg-starrer ‘The Family Plan.’ Savannah, on the other hand, is a significant location of Todd Haynes’ acclaimed drama film ‘May December’ and David Yates’ crime drama ‘Pain Hustlers.’
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