Global deal close to Peacock for sequences with Ellen Burstyn – Deadline

[ad_1]

Universal Pictures and NBCUniversal’s streaming service Peacock, in partnership with Blumhouse and Morgan Creek, have closed a deal worth more than $400 million to purchase global rights to a new exorcist franchise that will see Ellen Burstyn re-enact her role as the mother of a demon who owns it. Baby.

Odom Mega

Directed by David Gordon Green (Halloween), the franchise will star Hamilton’s Leslie Odom Jr. as the father of a possessed child who seeks the help of Burstein’s reincarnated character Chris McNeill, mother of Reagan McNeil (originally played in the 1973 film Linda Blair).

According to Universal, the franchise will include three films in total and is described as a “continuation,” not a remake, of the 1973 original, directed by William Friedkin and adapted by William Peter Blatty based on his novel.

RELATED STORY ‘First Lady’: Ellen Burstyn, Elisa Scanlin and Kylie Spani to repeat Showtime anthology series

Burstyn was not involved in any of the previous—and mostly critical—Exorcist sequels, which included Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977), Exorcist III (1990), Exorcist: The Beginning (2004), and Dominion: Prequel to The Exorcist ( 2005).

The first film in the new trilogy will be released theatrically on October 13, 2023. Subsequent installments could be shown on Peacock, according to a report in the New York Times, which also put the deal amount at more than $400 million. It’s reminiscent of Knives Out’s $400 million two-sequel March deal, making it one of the biggest streaming movie deals in history.

Jason Blum will produce the new Exorcist images on Blumhouse’s behalf. David Robinson and James Robinson will produce for Morgan Creek. David Gordon Green, Danny McBride, and Cooper Samuelson will carry out production. Ryan Turek is overseeing the Blumhouse project.

“There’s no better time to join the Peacock team, to unite with the great team at Universal and finally work with my friends at Blumhouse, than this classic franchise,” Morgan Creek President David Robinson said in a statement Monday. . “David Gordon Green, Danny McBride, Scott Thames and Peter Sattler have put together a compelling continuation of this famous story and I can’t wait to bring this to fans around the world.”

“Blumhouse has always seen a wonderful partnership from the team at Universal, and I am grateful to Donna Langley and Jimmy Horowitz for their belief in David’s film vision and foresight to be flexible in distribution, so the team feels top notch support through the lifeblood of the film,” said Jason Blumhouse, Blumhouse founder and director Executive, they are committed to delivering a theatrical show and will also serve streaming viewers well by bringing an exciting franchise like The Exorcist to Peacock.” “I am grateful to work with David Robinson and the wonderful team at Morgan Creek on this iconic franchise.”

The original 1973 film has grossed over $441 million to date, making it the highest grossing domestic horror film for 44 years. The picture was also nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including one for Burstyn. He won for Platie’s text and best sound.

The CAA negotiated a new Exorcist deal deal. Odom is represented by CAA, Untitled Entertainment, and Jackoway Austen. Burstyn is represented by UTA and MGMT Entertainment. Green is represented by CAA and Cinetic Media.

[ad_2]