The Bone-Chilling Revelation Behind Exorcist's Unforgettable Twist Unveiled by the Director

Warning: SPOILERS ahead for The Exorcist: Believer!

Summary

Chris MacNeil's shocking turn in The Exorcist: Believer mirrors the Devil's cunning to claim fleeting triumphs, despite inevitable defeat.

Chris embodies a gentle, devout persona driven by genuine motives, yet her bond with her daughter Regan crumbles under the weight of diabolical influence.

The film's conclusion seeks to create a sense of comfort and resolution, while also acknowledging the lasting impact of evil and the necessity of sacrifice.

Director David Gordon Green, the mastermind behind The Exorcist: Believer, has revealed the reasoning behind a shocking twist involving Chris MacNeil. In the midst of the story, Victor Fielding turns to Chris for assistance when his daughter and her friend fall under the possession of the demon Lamashtu. In a confrontation with the possessed friend, Chris is horrifically attacked, with the malevolent entity driving a crucifix into her eyes.

In an interview with CinemaBlend, Green discussed the reason behind Chris having her eyes stabbed out by Lamashtu in The Exorcist: Believer. According to the director, this moment serves as a representation of how the Devil can achieve small victories, even in his ultimate defeat. Here's what Green had to say:

Chris is a completely different character from Laurie Strode. I believe that Chris is a gentle, spiritual presence who communicates on a deeper level than the average person – I'm referring to Chris, not Ellen. In this character, I wanted to portray someone who I truly admire because her intentions are always pure and meaningful. Whether it's through writing a book or offering hope to parents dealing with the inexplicable, she seeks to assist and guide them. However, her relationship with her daughter Regan becomes strained and fractured along the way.

In the scene, she brings her acquired knowledge over the past 50 years since the Georgetown events to help cleanse the young daughter of this affliction. However, she is unexpectedly faced with conflict and obstacles, despite her pure intentions.

Regarding the origin of the story, I had envisioned an ending that exudes warmth. Yet, I also wanted to ensure that the devil had some achievements in the process. It couldn't be a perfect, neatly resolved situation where everyone lives happily ever after. I aimed to provide a sense of warmth and closure while acknowledging that there were still wounds left behind.

What Chris’ Injury Means For The New Exorcist Trilogy

After having her sight violently taken from her, Chris spends the remainder of the movie confined to a hospital bed. This prevents her from being present during the ultimate exorcism that takes place at the end, resulting in Angela being saved and Katherine being dragged down to Hell. Despite this, there is a happy ending for Chris in The Exorcist: Believer, as her estranged daughter, Regan, pays her a visit at the hospital.

At this moment, there is no confirmation on whether Chris will make a comeback in the upcoming installment of Green's planned trilogy, The Exorcist: Deceiver. If she does return, her role may once again be diminished due to her previous injuries. However, now that Regan is reconciling with her mother, it is possible that she could assume a more prominent role in the future of the franchise.

Despite being incapacitated by Lamashtu, Chris's extensive fifty-year experience in studying exorcisms in diverse cultures makes her invaluable for future guidance. The upcoming sequels for The Exorcist: Believer may involve Chris playing a significant role as she aids in the battle against possession. As Regan makes a comeback at the movie's conclusion, the duo may join forces to confront a fresh demonic adversary.