Undoubtedly inspired by the success of horror-film-to-serial-dramas Hannibal and Bates Motel, Morgan Creek Entertainment and producer Roy Lee (The Ring, The Grudge) are shopping around a television version of The Exorcist to the major networks.
Last year, the team announced that the project was to be a 10-hour miniseries directed by Sean Durkin (Martha Marcy May Marlene) that functioned as both a prequel and remake of the 1973 film, but it seems that this plan has been scrapped altogether – The Playlist reports that Durkin is no longer involved, and they’ve brought in writer Jeremy Slater (the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot) to pen what is now going to be a weekly drama series based on the novel by William Peter Blatty.
The story, for foggy minds, follows the harrowing demonic possession of a young girl and the efforts by her mother, doctors and priests to save her from the entity. The 1973 film was so considered so graphic and terrifying that people vomited in theaters. This is what Slater has to live up to.
How will that translate to a weekly hour-long drama? It’s unclear if the new incarnation of the project will keep aspects of the prequel idea, but it’s an interesting notion to explore; a good portion could focus on the archaeological dig that finds the demonic amulet. But one can’t help wondering if maybe this was best suited staying a miniseries, like the planned NBC Rosemary’s Baby project. Less is more?
All I know, is no head-spinning, no viewers.
There is no premiere date for The Exorcist television series at this time.
