The Exorcist: Shocking Celebrity Cameo Revealed By Director (Prepare to be Surprised!)

Warning! Spoilers ahead for The Exorcist: Believer.

Summary

Director David Gordon Green and producer Jason Blum divulge the unexpected story behind Linda Blair's appearance in The Exorcist: Believer, highlighting the surprise it brought to the cast and crew. Blum elaborates on the fact that Blair's return was not initially certain, but gradually became apparent during the movie's development, hinting at her possible willingness to participate.

The first installment of The Exorcist: Believer is meant to be part of a planned trilogy, but it is unclear whether Regan will have a significant role going forward.

Director David Gordon Green and producer Jason Blum discuss how the film's major cameo came to be and why it was important. Serving as a sequel to the 1973 horror classic directed by William Friedkin, Green's new movie brings back Ellen Burstyn as Chris MacNeil, who confronts the demon Pazuzu after two young girls become possessed. While Burstyn's return has been highlighted in the film's marketing, those who have seen the movie will know that Linda Blair, the original Regan actor and Pazuzu's first victim, also makes a brief cameo appearance.

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In a recent interview with ComicBook.com, Green and Blum discuss Blair's unexpected appearance in the ending of The Exorcist: Believer. The producer and director elaborate on the process of convincing the star to make a comeback and describe the emotional impact it had on the set. Read their complete comments below:

Jason Blum explained that they made sure to inform the original movie creators about the reboot and its plans. He personally reached out to them, had a lengthy conversation, and discovered a possibility of collaborating again. David Gordon Green shared an impactful moment during filming where Ellen, who hadn't seen her co-star in years, experienced intense emotions while blindfolded. This surprise appearance had such a profound effect on the crew that one member couldn't hold back tears while operating the camera. This unforgettable incident made the onset experience extremely powerful.

What Regan's Cameo Means For The Exorcist's Future

Blair makes a brief appearance in The Exorcist: Believer, reuniting with her long-estranged, injured mother and resolving their differences. While this cameo provides a touching conclusion to the new film, it also sparks speculation about the future of the Exorcist franchise and the potential for more of Regan's story.

Although The Exorcist: Believer has just been released in theaters, Green and Blum have expressed their aspirations for the franchise. This latest film serves as the first installment in a planned trilogy, with the second film, The Exorcist: Deceiver, scheduled for release in April 2025. However, the future of these sequels remains uncertain, as their production depends on the success of The Exorcist: Believer at the box office. While critics have largely panned Green's latest work, the response from audiences is still to be determined.

There is no information available regarding Regan's return in the upcoming sequels. However, even persuading her to make a brief appearance in The Exorcist: Believer was a challenging task, leaving uncertainty about her involvement in larger roles going forward. Nevertheless, the reconciliation between Regan and Chris, along with her mother's recent blindness, may provide the opportunity for a dual-focused narrative in future films. Additionally, Green seems determined to pay homage to and delve into various elements of Friedkin's original movie, suggesting that keeping Regan in the picture could be crucial to his vision for the franchise's future.