The Mind-Blowing Secrets Behind The Exorcist Ending Revealed!

Highlights

The director's cut of The Exorcist includes scenes that were removed by Warner Bros. but later re-added by William Friedkin at the urging of the writer, William Peter Blatty.

The director's cut of The Exorcist features additional scenes that enhance the overall story. These scenes include Regan's terrifying spider-like crawl down the stairs, further exploration of Father Merrin's adventures, a significant conversation between Merrin and Father Karras, and a crucial final scene. The ending of the film, specifically the fate of Karras, leaves room for interpretation. However, the answer to his ultimate destiny can be found in the scene where Merrin and Karras find solace on the stairs, engaging in a meaningful discussion about Pazuzu's true intentions. Ultimately, The Exorcist presents a tale of the triumph of good over evil.

When discussing The Exorcist from 1973, it is crucial to distinguish between the theatrical cut and the director's cut, which is more accurately referred to as the writer's cut. Originally released as "The Version You've Never Seen" in 2000, this cut includes scenes that Warner Bros. had initially removed to keep the film under two hours. These scenes were later re-added by William Friedkin, at the persistence of William Peter Blatty, the writer and author of the book upon which the film is based.

Without Blatty's insistence, the iconic image of Regan's spider-crawl down the stairs would never have been seen by audiences. The added scenes also include an expanded introduction to Father Merrin's experiences, a significant conversation between Merrin and Father Karras on the stairs near Regan's room, and even the final scene of the film. However, it is the preceeding scene – the fate of Karras – that has sparked much debate. While some argue for leaving it open to interpretation, there is indeed a definitive answer to its true meaning.

What Happens in ‘The Exorcist’?

Father Lankaster Merrin, an archaeologist Priest similar to Indiana Jones, explores a mining excavation in Northern Iraq. There, he discovers a small statue which he breaks in half, only to come face to face with a larger version of the statue, foreshadowing an imminent battle between good and evil. In the meantime, Chris MacNeil, a renowned actress, is shooting a film in Georgetown, Washington D.C. under the direction of her friend Burke Dennings. Chris rents a luxurious home where she resides with her daughter Regan. During an afternoon together, Chris learns that Regan uses a Ouija board to communicate with someone named Captain Howdy, which she attributes to the imagination of a happy child.

Meanwhile, Father Damien Karras, struggling with a crisis of faith following the recent death of his mother, experiences overwhelming guilt for not being present during her final moments. In the same area, at Georgetown University, Karras battles with his internal struggles. Chris hosts a party at her home, attended by Father Joseph Dyer, a close friend of Karras and a real-life priest who also serves as a technical advisor on the film. Father Dyer shares information about Karras' role as a counselor and the personal tragedy he has been facing.

Later that night, as the party continues, Regan, detached from the festivities, urinates on the carpet. Chris puts her daughter back to bed, but suddenly the frame of the house begins to shake violently and inexplicably.

Regan's behavior becomes increasingly erratic after undergoing a series of intense medical treatments, leaving doctors puzzled about her condition. Chris brings Regan back home, only to be approached by Detective William Kinderman (Lee J. Cobb), who reveals that Burke, the babysitter who looked after Regan, was found dead under mysterious circumstances. His head was twisted completely backwards, leading Kinderman to suspect foul play. He promises to return and investigate further once Regan recovers. Shortly after Kinderman's departure, Regan experiences another disturbing episode, during which she uses a crucifix to harm herself. With medical experts unable to provide any answers, Chris is left with no choice but to turn to the Catholic Church for an exorcism as a last-ditch effort.

Desperate, Chris reaches out to Karras, who assures her that she possesses a deeper understanding of exorcism than most priests and that the Church has abandoned its extreme methods in favor of modern medical advancements. With no other options, Chris pleads with Karras to examine Regan. Bound to her bed, the possessed girl confesses to Karras that the malevolent force within her is none other than the Devil himself, known as Pazuzu. Recognizing the urgent need for an exorcism, Karras is granted permission by the Church under the condition that he is accompanied by a more experienced priest.

How Does The Exorcist End?

An ailing Father Merrin arrives at the MacNeil residence and ascends to Regan's bedroom accompanied by Karras. Together, the priests engage in recitations from the Roman Ritual, only to be fiercely jolted and flung against the walls by the terrifying force of Pazuzu. Their bodies incapacitated, they reluctantly withdraw to recover from the onslaught. In the interim, as Merrin dutifully administers his medicine, Karras valiantly returns to confront Pazuzu, who cunningly assumes the guise of his own mother, aiming to diminish his strength. Reentering the room, Merrin finds Chris downstairs, offering solace and reassurance about Regan's chances of survival. Yet, upon Karras's reappearance, an agonizing sight awaits him—the lifeless figure of Merrin, whose deteriorated health has ultimately exacted its toll.

Karras, full of rage, violently seizes the possessed Regan and demands that Pazuzu take him instead. The medallion of Saint Joseph is forcefully torn from Karras' neck, as Pazuzu takes control, causing his eyes to turn yellow. Painfully, Karras looks down at the now liberated Regan, and without hesitation, he throws himself through the window, tumbling down the same steps as Burke. Chris holds Regan in a loving embrace, while Kinderman investigates the chaotic scene. Father Dyer kneels beside the dying Karras, providing him with his last rites.

The distinction between the theatrical and "director's" cut becomes significant at this point. In the theatrical version, Father Dyer bids farewell to Chris and Regan (who thankfully has no recollection of recent events), then gazes down at the steps where Karras met his demise before walking away. In the extended cut, Dyer departs from the steps and moves towards the front of the house, where he encounters Kinderman, who had missed the MacNeils' departure. Kinderman extends an invitation to Dyer to watch a film together, an offer that Karras had previously rejected. The two companions walk off together, arm in arm.

How to Interpret the Ending of The Exorcist

Blatty worried about audiences mistakenly thinking that Pazuzu forced Karras to jump instead of recognizing it as Karras's sacrifice. This interpretation could be understandable due to the scene's ambiguity. However, the true answer lies in a different scene where Merrin and Karras sit on the stairs outside Regan's room. In this scene, a line of dialogue encapsulates the film's essence. Merrin theorizes that Pazuzu's goal is to make humanity feel despair and view themselves as animalistic and repulsive, thereby rejecting the possibility of being loved by God. Originally, Friedkin chose to exclude this scene from the theatrical version because he believed it was too direct, but it has since become one of the film's most impactful moments. Despite its disturbing nature, The Exorcist ultimately tells a story of good prevailing, brilliantly portrayed through its exceptional filmmaking.