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William Friedkin Directing William Peter Blatty's Exorcist Remake?

by Alex Billington
November 15, 2009
Source: Bloody-Disgusting

This news will probably upset anyone who is a die-hard fan of the original, but there may be hope. In a recent interview with Cemetery Dance (via Bloody-Disgusting), The Exorcist author William Peter Blatty clearly revealed that he was writing a remake of The Exorcist and that William Friedkin was going to direct it. The original 1973 Exorcist, based on Blatty's book, was adapted by Blatty himself and directed by Friedkin as well. So if we're to believe what he says, then it means the two are potentially reteaming again for an Exorcist remake or reboot or something along those lines. Read on for the full quote from Blatty.

"Yes and no. I would love to have been able to include the subplot involving Karl and his daughter Elvira which I did in my first draft, but that script ran to 172 pages, much, much too long. But I might have it my way in the near future, inasmuch as I've written an Exorcist miniseries script that not only faithfully includes all the main elements of the novel, but also some rather spooky new material and scenes, as well as a totally new (and perhaps much more satisfying) ending. I've also updated it. Billy Friedkin has agreed to direct."

Blatty was answering a question about if he would change anything from the original. I did a quick search and couldn't find any mention of an Exorcist remake before this, but I assume it's one of those movies that's always rumored to be remade, just because it's such a well-known and well-loved classic horror. However, it's interesting to note that Blatty said he's writing a miniseries. With other horror miniseries on the way, like Frank Darabont's The Walking Dead, they might just be considering doing a "remake" as a miniseries on TV rather than in theaters. But would that be a grave mistake? Should Exorcist stay on the big screen?

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xerxex

well...umm...I...I...say no, but I'm optimistic...but worried...I'll say okay...but still I'm worried. This is the best film of all time, got me interrested in Mike Oldfield when Tublar Bells was used in the most memorable scene when the old priest showed up, so I'm worried.
Josh

Why??? I mean, really? I love the original and I wish I had been alive to see it in theatres during its first run, but this seems unnecessary. Studios need to leave well-enough alone.
Casual Reader

I'm a die-hard fan of the original The Exorcist. The remaining movies in the franchise are just rubbage in comparison, albeit they -are- much more amusing as opposed to horrific or creepy. Talking about a remake worries me. I'm really antsy about him having used the term "updated," too. I'm imagining Pazuzu with an iPhone. Jeez.
Sean

No. Of all the movies to remake why pick this one, Hollywood? The Exorcist does not need to be remade! Now please, go kill yourself and die, then die again. -Sean
Greedo

This is stupid. The reason the original Exorcist was so good was BECAUSE of the mistakes and pitfalls of the production of the original film. They had to cut corners and improvise, and Linda Blair was so creepy and Mike Oldfield had this creepy ass score. Friedkin already did that extended cut of the Exorcist a few years ago, and most people agree it did not really improve upon the original. His good years are behind him. Fuck that guy.
Sabes

Why? ... Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy?!!!
Cap Nord

Are they out of their fucking minds? It's one thing that these Hollywood losers would even consider remaking The Exorcist but for Friedkin to allow himself to get up in in this bullshit is unfuckingbelievable!
Buzz

I'd agree with everyone else that's already posted provided this heads to theaters. Especially since it's the same people, that, to me, makes a remake even more asinine. At least with new people, you get a new take on things. With the same people, it's like they're trying to out do themselves (you can't pay homage to yourself through a remake). However, I would support a miniseries, because I think that that would allow them to take a look at the story in a new way. Plus, a miniseries is much eaiser to ignore if you're pissed about them soiling the original
Tra la la la la di da

Rewriting the book? The movie was based on a book based on a true story.... Still, I have hope if they're involved it'll be great. Also, miniseries have more leeway if it's on HBO or something. TVMA is WAY better than R.
napoleonblownapart

what next, the godfather? french connection?
Golgo 13

Why you ask would they ever consider something like this?? One word. MONEY. Economy still stinks. Remakes are the easy and lazy way to get paid. And that pic used for this article is CREEPY. Good God. Ha!
tazz

@napoleonblownapart i wont be surprise Hollywood will try and remake them too
beavis

DON'T REMAKE THIS CLASSIC!! ARE THEY NUTS?? certain classic movies should be "untouchable" from hollywoods remake hacks. i hope this DOESN'T happen.
Sleepykid

Worst. Idea. Ever. (until Hollywood's next worst idea ever of course)
Ajax

If it is a film, then no way in hell. But as a mini-series, maybe ( it definitely should be on HBO or the likes).
Cody

They announced ideas for a Battleship movie last week...does this seriously suprise you guys?
Cineprog

I don't see how this story of the Exorcist could be betterd, i think it woud be a bad mistake to Remake the Exorcist.:(
Matte Blac

Oh come on guys, did u actually read the article??? The original writer is peening it and the original director is involved, its not like Uwe Boll picked it up, i feel it would be great to modernise the film, not with CGI or anything like that, but just bring it into modern times, they could really delve into the modern day views on exorcisms and religious beliefs, not to mention make it 10 times more creepier than the original. But my only thing is this, if they get Dakota Fannig to play the young girl, i will put everyone involved in that film on a hit list and take them all out LOL
subcelsious

com'on man leave these damn movies alone , just cause their old and good doesn't mean they need to be remade,,, fu%$.whatever happened to origonality and new ideas wtf, thats why horror movies suck now, their all remakes cause no studio wants to risk new ideas. i'm just disgusted in hollywood now.
JimD

This is not something you mess with. One of the best of not "the best" horror movie. Dont ruin it with a remake.
MikeZ

If they remade The Exorcist It would be a huge mistake. Look no further than Rob Zombie's remake of the John Carpenter Classic, "Halloween". .The remake stunk! Leave any ideas of remaking this movie alone.
http://www.firstshowing.net marie-lynne

id love to see this masterpiece be remade but definitly not on television. thats a horrible idea. i always thought the guy that directed the 2003 remake of the texas chainsaw massacre would have been an excellent choice to remake this and psycho. could be wrong tho.
thegirl

This is my first time using this site, and the last. I'm not impressed at having to sit through 7 pop ups to read 3 paragraphs worth of text.
LegalAlien

I love the original Exorcist just as much as anybody, but with the right people (and what could be any more right than the creators of the first movie) it could be a decent remake. The guys who remade Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Amityville have been great at remakes in the horror genre. But it's obvious that The Exorcist remake is heading into a mini series with the original writer and director, which will be something different in a very interesting way. If the mini series turn out like Stephen King's The Stand yet better, it'll be kick ass and scary as fuck. By the way, I liked Rob Zombie's version of Halloween. The story had more depth and gave Michel Myres some humanity and reason as to why he was a killer, and I could actually relate to Michel Myres in Rob Zombie's version.
Christy

I don't know why people are worried about it getting ruined. Um it won't be ruined. The 73' version is already made, & if this remake would suck, so be it lol. I think it'd be cool to see an updated version in the theater. & we all know that there would never be a remake as good as the orginal, but it doesn't mean it'll ruin the orginal. Anyways, I'm for it. Long as tubular bells is in there, I think it'd turn out halfway decent.
Anonymous

The Exorcist remake! Whatever! Come on! Some of you people want it to be a miniseries. What the hell! And some of you wrote this news to be "a modern version" Well your wrong, this movie is the best horror film ever made! And setting it up with a brand new camera and a brand new set isn't going to make it any better. Then we mention the word 3D, oh come on, you morons, how many sequels, original films, or remakes, made in 3D have actually had a good story? I can only think of one, and that's TRON:LEGACY. The rest are stupid sequels, or remakes, that rely on 3D just to push out tickets. If they do this film, then it better be damn good, or I'LL just take a nuclear bomb and drop it on Hollyremake, oh, sorry I mean Hollycrap oh wait! I mean Hollywood(sorry I just thought of a remake for the word Hollywood). I don't even believe in religion, but I find the original Exorcist to be a very attractive job at portraying good vs bad and that's all that matters. It was very well written and very well directed, with characters that you want to love and also dislike. It's a very personal story, for instance Damien's own self doubt's about his faith. These are questions we all ask ourselves from time to time. Am I doing the right thing? This is what makes this film perfect. The inner questions of our very well being. This film should not be remade, and glorified as some new 3D gimmick, just to sell more 3D televisions. Screw that! As some of you said "why mess with perfection". And that's what happened to the remake of Halloween. It was a piece of crap. I really don't want to know why Micheal Myers was a nut. Sometimes explaining too much of a character, just in fact makes that character pathetic and see through. The best books and films that have been made are the ones who keep some mystery to the characters in that book or film. These remakes today just over explain everything, especially in the idea of remaking The Exorcist. To give you an example, take a look at when they were trying to over explain the character in The Exorcist: The beginning, or should I say The Exorcist: Dominion. Well I was just as confused as you when this movie came out, apparently the production companies didn't like what the director was doing so during filming, they fired him, do to the fact that they thought people wouldn't like his version and wouldn't make them money. So they hired a new guy and renamed that The Exorcist: The Beginning. And at the time of release it flopped, the film looked cheap, with a silly story, and thrown together in small sets and cheap looking CGI. This was just a way to try and make a quick buck. It's pretty sad when Hollywood Exec's have to fire the first director and replace him with a money hungry drone. The only good performance was from the actor Stellan Skarsgård as Father Merrin. As I said I really don't want to see another over explained and dramatized film. Just leave it the hell alone! Out of the billions of books in our world libraries we can't find anything at least bit original? Oh wait! Hollywood only knows how to make money by reproducing what has been popular in the past, just to make a quick buck! Well, I say "go, rot and lye stinking in the earth" you piece of crap money hungry slobs that have no idea how to inspire your audience any more, just trying to rehash old ideas and selling them as new. Your pathetic and disgusting. I'm ashamed of this new Hollywood. I've got an idea for you retards! Why don't you go and remake the remake of A Nightmare On Elm St? And after that remake, remake that, and after that remake, remake it again and again, then in that remake of a remake of a remake of a remake, promise to add some bonus features on gayray, oh sorry I,, mean bluray! (Bluray promises us the films to be clearer than normal 1080p upconverting dvd players, but I really can't see the difference.) Does this sound silly. Apparently not in your eyes and in the eyes of the brainwashed public! Your absolute pathetic morons, with no original thought whatsoever, You remake films such as Friday the 13th, making us believe that all our female audiences have to be a slut and must have fake bolt on tits! Your all a bunch of conniving stooges with no original thought at all. Also in the end shame on you William Friedkin and William Peter Blatty for signing up to this film project, nothing like second guessing your original work, all creative people want to change how the original turned out, but let's not get all super obsessive "George Lucas" on our asses, by reproducing his only masterpiece over and over again, by taking CGI and making more stuff in the background! This is sad and pathetic, ya we all want to go back and re-touch a painting, but if the public likes it as it is, then why bother! Thanks for reading, Jeff J. Turner Sarnia, ON Canada
Randlevoid

I'm a huge fan of the original, and I myself fine this disgusting Hollywood trying to make a buck. Hey didn't you guys have fun raping Freddy Kruger, Jason, And leatherface come on you sick bastards leave classic cinema Alone this is not clash of the titans or conan the barbarian this is the fucking exorcist. It's Gone With The Wind of horror films it can't be remade it just can't.