The Exorcist: Director reveals how he convinced Linda Blair to return to the franchise

50 years after the launch of The Exorcist (1973), one of the great classics of horror films from Hollywoodthe franchise gained a new entry, titled The Exorcist – The Devotee (2023), with the return of some names from the original cast, such as Linda Blairinterpreter of Regan MacNeil – and the director David Gorden Green revealed how he convinced her.

It is worth remembering how Regandaughter of Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn), is possessed in the first film. In the plot of The Devoteewhich premiered on October 12, 2023 in Brazilian cinemas, the two have a troubled relationship, but meet again in the hospital bed after Chris get involved in a terrible incident.

During an interview with People, Green commented how the reunion of the two actresses and characters was “a beautiful moment” and revealed how the scene featured in the final version of the film was done in the first take, described as “magical” by the director.

This moment was a big surprise, including for the people working on the film set. The filmmaker did not add the name of Blair to the call list. “Her code name was Bartholomew,” he stated. “No one had any idea what was about to happen.”

It was a very special moment to be part of this meeting, to be part of this legacy, of the monumental connection that these two artists have. Witnessing this reconnection was truly incredible.

Then, the director recalled how he convinced Linda Blair to participate in The Exorcist – The Devotee. “I don’t just want to say, ‘Hey, actors, do you want to be in my movie? Yes or no? Make an appointment. [resposta],” he said. “I want to say, ‘Here I am, here is who I am, here are my intentions. I will be creative. Maybe I’ll have something to talk to you about later.'”

In addition to acting, Blair was a consultant on the film, and advised David Gordon Green to “design the production around psychology for the best well-being” of the child actors on set.” It’s worth remembering how she was just 14 years old when she participated in the first The Exorcist.

“We had a lot of conversations about having a child psychologist on set and what to do during production and what to do after production, what to do when the film comes out. And so we were getting to know each other from that kind of ethical and creative point of view,” explained.

The Exorcist – The Devotee It’s not the end of the franchise for Linda Blair It is Ellen Burstyn, according to Green. They must reprise their respective roles in two sequels: “[Estou animado para] see how far I can go. I have a script of endless ideas of things I’d like to do.”