The Exorcist: Believer

In August 2020, it was reported that Morgan Creek Entertainment would be producing a new installment in The Exorcist franchise, as a reboot.[12] A tentative theatrical release window of 2021 was planned by the studio.[13][14] Ben Pearson of Slash Film noted that the studio had previously stated that it would "never attempt to remake The Exorcist" but that it would also obtain the "blessings of their library titles' original creators before they move forward with new entries".[15]

In December 2020, it was clarified that the project in development would be a direct-sequel and follow-up to the original film, with David Gordon Green in early negotiations to serve as director. Jason Blum, David Robinson, and James Robinson serve as producers.[16][17][18] In July 2021, it was reported that a trilogy of sequels were concurrently in development with Green hired to direct the first of the new installments, from a script he co-wrote with Peter Sattler,[5][19] from an original story he co-wrote with Scott Teems and Danny McBride.[20] Green, McBride, Couper Samuelson and Stephanie Allain serve as executive producers.[21][22] Prior to acquiring the series' rights from Morgan Creek Entertainment, the writing team and Blum spent early 2020 devising the story over Zoom.[23]

The projects are joint-venture productions between Blumhouse Productions and Morgan Creek Entertainment with Universal Pictures distributing. Universal collaborated with Peacock to purchase distribution rights for $400 million total. Parts two and three of the trilogy were optioned as potential Peacock exclusive films.[5][19] By October 2021, Green expressed his intentions to direct all three films, with script outlines completed for the latter two films that he co-wrote with Sattler.[2][24][3]

Ellen Burstyn reprised her role as Chris MacNeil from the original film, with Leslie Odom Jr. co-starring a father of a possessed child who tracks down Chris.[5] Ann Dowd, Lidya Jewett, Olivia Marcum and Okwui Okpokwasili have undisclosed roles.[6][7][8][11] Raphael Sbarge joined the cast as a pastor.[9] Jennifer Nettles has a "primary role" in the film.[10]

In early 2022, Burstyn stated that she had completed production for her part in the film.[4] Though Green had previously stated that he would begin work on the sequel after completing Halloween Ends, given the actress's age and the risks of the COVID-19 pandemic, the production team worked with Burstyn to make sure they have her part completed for the film.[4][25]

Principal photography began in November 2022, in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia.[26] Burstyn was brought in that month for reshoots.[27] In mid-December, production was shut down early for the holidays after Leslie Odom Jr. had an "unspecified health issue".[28] Filming wrapped in early March 2023.[22]