Universal & Peacock Ink $400M Deal For New ‘Exorcist’ Trilogy of Movies
The New York Times reports that Universal Pictures and streaming service Peacock have closed a colossal $400 million deal with filmmakers Blumhouse and Morgan Creek. The deal grants Peacock rights to a new Exorcist trilogy globally.
The new trilogy will be a continuation of the original Exorcist films, rather than a remake, and will feature Ellen Burstyn, who previously played Chris MacNeil in the original 1973 film, sources said.
Hamilton star Leslie Odom Jr. has been cast as the father of a demon-possessed child who goes on to seek help from MacNeil because of her own experience with her demon-possessed daughter.
The Exorcist
When a charming 12-year-old girl takes on the characteristics and voices of others, doctors say there is nothing they can do. As people begin to die, the girl’s mother realizes her daughter has been possessed by the devil—and that her daughter’s only possible hope lies with two priests and the ancient rite of demonic exorcism.
David Gordon Green, who previously worked on the Halloween reboot, will direct the first film in the new trilogy. The first film will be released theatrically on October 13, 2023, and the next two movies could premiere on Peacock, according to the [New York Times].
“There’s no better time to be joining forces with the team at Peacock, reuniting with the great team at Universal and finally getting to work with my friends at Blumhouse, than on this classic franchise,” said David Robinson, Morgan Creek President, in a statement. “David Gordon Green, Danny McBride, Scott Teems and Peter Sattler have put together a compelling continuation of this iconic tale and I can’t wait to bring this to fans around the world.”
Peacock
Peacock is a subscription video streaming service from NBCUniversal that includes original shows, blockbuster movies, and classic television series. Peacock is home to “Yellowstone,” and “The Office,” as well as original hits like “Poker Face” and “Bel-Air.” You can also watch live sports including NFL, MLB, WWE, Olympics, Premier League, NASCAR, French Open, College Football and Basketball, and PGA Tour. Premium Plus subscribers can stream their local NBC feed in all 210 markets.
“Blumhouse has always experienced incredible partnership from the team at Universal, and I’m grateful to Donna Langley and Jimmy Horowitz for believing in the vision of David’s film and having the foresight to be flexible with distribution, so the team feels top notch support through the lifeline of the film. They’re committed to theatrical exhibition and will also serving streaming viewers well by bringing an exciting franchise like the Exorcist to Peacock too,” said Jason Blum, CEO and Founder of Blumhouse. “I’m grateful to be working with David Robinson and the great team at Morgan Creek on this iconic franchise.”