Ellen Burstyn Returns: Veteran actress Ellen Burstyn, acclaimed for her unforgettable role in the 1973 horror classic “The Exorcist,” returns to the spine-chilling franchise in its latest installment, “The Exorcist: Believer,” marking her first appearance in the series since its debut half a century ago.
In the newly released trailer, Burstyn resumes her iconic portrayal of Chris MacNeil, an actress forever haunted by the possession of her daughter Regan (played by Linda Blair) as depicted in the original film. The teaser offers a glimpse of Leslie Odom Jr.’s character, Victor, seeking answers from a seasoned witness of the supernatural, played by Ann Dowd, who cryptically hints at the existence of such otherworldly occurrences.
As the story unfolds, Victor grapples with the depths of malevolence and enlists the help of the only living person familiar with the terror he faces: Chris MacNeil. The preview showcases Lidya Jewett and Olivia Marcum as two young girls, bearing the same ominous glares that made Blair’s portrayal so unforgettable in the first installment of the spine-tingling franchise.
According to an official synopsis, the film follows Victor’s journey to rescue his daughter and her friend, who mysteriously vanish and return with no recollection of their ordeal.
Directed by David Gordon Green, “Believer” is set to be the first of three upcoming “Exorcist” films that continue the story initiated by the 1973 classic. Joining the cast are Jennifer Nettles and Norbert Leo Butz alongside Jewett, Burstyn, Dowd, Marcum, and Odom Jr.
“The Exorcist” made waves in the horror genre, earning ten Oscar nominations and clinching two Academy Awards for best adapted screenplay and best sound. Burstyn herself received an Oscar nod for her stellar performance.
“The Exorcist: Believer” is scheduled for release on October 13, promising another bone-chilling journey into the world of the supernatural and the unexplained.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Why did Ellen Burstyn return to The Exorcist?
At first, Ellen Burstyn wasn’t sure about joining The Exorcist: Believer. However, director David Gordon Green convinced her to come on board. Burstyn wanted to make sure the movie honored the original 1973 film, The Exorcist, as some past movies in the series hadn’t.
Who was Ellen Burstyn in The Exorcist?
Burstyn, aged 90, played the character Chris MacNeil in the 1973 original movie, which led to her being nominated for an Oscar. Now, half a century later, she is returning to portray the same character in a new movie that serves as a direct sequel to the original. This sequel is directed and co-written by Green, who also worked on “Halloween Ends.”
Is Exorcist believer a sequel?
Set half a century later, “The Exorcist: Believer” acts as a direct sequel to William Friedkin’s groundbreaking masterpiece. The film follows Chris MacNeil, portrayed once again by Ellen Burstyn, as she confronts the resurgence of a demonic presence possessing two young girls. Burstyn’s return to the role brings depth to the storyline, as she grapples with the enduring impact of her earlier encounter with the forces of evil.
What are the reviews on the new Exorcist?
The movie lacks suspense, fear, and shock factor. It pales in comparison to the original Exorcist and falls short in every aspect. It should have been promoted as a separate film with a new title to avoid being compared to such a classic horror masterpiece.