How a single 1949 exorcism inspired a horror empire
In short: William Peter Blatty’s 1971 novel didn't just create a masterpiece; it built a massive franchise. Inspired by the real-life 1949 exorcism of Roland Doe, the story of a possessed girl and two priests has since grossed over $661 million at the worldwide box office.
The franchise's foundation rests on Blatty's 1971 novel, which was inspired by a 1949 case of demonic possession involving a boy named Roland Doe. Blatty, then a student at Georgetown University, set the novel in Washington D.C. near the university campus. The 1973 film adaptation, directed by William Friedkin, became a cultural phenomenon, starring Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair. Blatty's inspiration came from a case he learned about while studying at Georgetown. This connection is reflected in the setting of the book, which is located near the university's campus.
The series has struggled with its own legacy. While the original novel sold over 13 million copies, subsequent installments have seen mixed results. For instance, the 2023 film 'The Exorcist: Believer,' directed by David Gordon Green, failed to meet box-office expectations, leading Universal Pictures to scrap plans for a trilogy. Instead, a new project titled 'The Exorcist: Martyrs' is being developed by Mike Flanagan. The 2016 television series, which serves as a continuation of the 1973 movie, received generally positive reviews. This production was developed by 20th Century Fox Television.
The lore is centered on the demon Pazuzu, whose influence spans several stories. The 1983 novel 'Legion' was later adapted into the 1990 film 'The Exorcist III.' Originally intended to be titled 'Legion,' the studio Morgan Creek Productions demanded an exorcism sequence and a title change to maintain franchise ties. This version was so controversial that Blatty's original cut was thought lost for years until 'The Exorcist III: Legion' was released in 2016. The film's production was altered by studio executives who insisted on including an exorcism scene. This decision led to the title change from its original name, Legion.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: The Exorcist (franchise)
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