- The Exorcist: Believer is now available for streaming on Peacock
- The film earned over $133 million at the box office with a $30 million budget, but received mixed reviews
- Universal plans to continue with the second film, The Exorcist: Deceiver, set for an April 2025 release
Horror film enthusiasts can now stream the controversial movie The Exorcist: Believer on Peacock. Directed by David Gordon Green, this reboot of the iconic franchise premiered in theaters on October 6, 2023, and has since received mixed reactions from audiences and critics alike.
The film, which is a revival of the 1973 classic directed by William Friedkin, stars Leslie Odom Jr., Lidya Jewett, and Olivia O‘Neill. The plot centers on two young girls possessed by evil forces and a father seeking answers. The movie also sees the return of Ellen Burstyn as Chris MacNeil, along with appearances by Norbert Leo Butz and Ann Dowd.
With a production budget of $30 million, The Exorcist: Believer has earned just over $133 million at the box office so far. It topped the box office during its opening weekend but was soon overtaken by the concert film, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. One review states that the film “holds your interest and delivers just enough suspense and light terror to satisfy, but never to really warrant its own existence.”
Universal spent $400 million on theatrical rights to The Exorcist franchise, which also included streaming rights and theme park attractions. The plan was to release three films directed by David Gordon Green. However, the polarizing reception of The Exorcist: Believer has raised questions about Green’s role as director in future installments. Green commented, “My intention is just to start making things, and as those plans come together, if I find myself in that director’s chair, I’d be thrilled. But right now, I’m navigating it from a story perspective and looking at my realities of life as I pivot.”
Despite the mixed reception, Universal is committed to moving forward with the second film, The Exorcist: Deceiver, set for release on April 18, 2025. It remains uncertain how the reception of the first movie will impact the storyline and audience turnout for the sequel. For now, viewers can rent or purchase The Exorcist: Believer on VOD and stream it on Peacock starting December 1st.