I just spit pea soup all over my computer screen.
Fox has officially ordered a pilot for “The Exorcist,” based on William Blatty’s 1971 novel, which inspired the iconic 1973 horror film of the same name, reports Variety.
The one-hour drama pilot is described as a modern reinvention inspired by Blatty’s book — a propulsive, serialized psychological thriller following two very different men tackling one family’s case of horrifying demonic possession, and confronting the face of true evil.
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The project hails from 20th Century Fox Television, in association with Morgan Creek Productions, and was written by Jeremy Slater, who also executive produces alongside James Robinson, David Robinson and Barbara Wall.
Slater is the most exciting and promising addition to the news, and someone I have a lot of faith in (pun intended). He’s behind the upcoming Pet and Death Note, as well as Fox’s Fantastic Four reboot and The Lazarus Effect.
As much as I like Slater’s work, I have my reservations. Obviously, there’s no way a modern television series can come close to being as scary and shocking as the original film. If we’re to accept this reality, financially this makes sense for Fox. The Exorcist is THE horror film that penetrates outside of the horror crowd; nearly everyone has heard of the film, whether or not they’ve braved to see it.
I don’t shame Fox for making this move, although the fact that Fox makes crappy genre television shows doesn’t really sit well with me…
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