New York City – With the release of “The Exorcist: Believer” this weekend, filmgoers are set to witness a new chapter in the terrifying saga of young, possessed girls. While shocking and horrifying scenes have been a signature of “The Exorcist” franchise, no reports are expected of audience members fainting, vomiting, or fleeing theaters in terror.
Nearly 50 years ago, when “The Exorcist” made its debut in theaters in December 1973, reports of chaos and disturbing occurrences were widespread. The horror flick was said to have caused heart attacks, one miscarriage, and even death at some of its screenings.
Even before the movie’s release, troubling incidents during the more-than-200-day shoot in various locations led many to believe that the classic film was cursed. Actors and crew members faced tragedy and misfortune, with accidents, injuries, and deaths becoming part of the film’s troubling production history.
While the accidents during the filming were not fatal, the unexpected deaths connected to the production were alarming. Reports vary, but anywhere from four to nine people associated with the film, including actors and crew members, died during its production.
Despite the ominous history of the original film, the producer was able to coax Ellen Burstyn, now 90, to return for the new reboot. The actress, in an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, cited a large sum of money as the reason for her return.
The new film’s production has so far seen a smoother path, but the legacy of the original film still haunts the minds of many involved in the reboot. Despite the challenges faced during the production of the original film, the horror genre continues to have a strong appeal for audiences, making it a potentially lucrative venture for filmmakers and distributors.