Vertical has acquired the North American rights to the Miramax supernatural shocker The Exorcism (previously known as The Georgetown Project) starring Academy Award®-Winner Russell Crowe (Gladiator, The Pope’s Exorcist).
Directed by Joshua John Miller (The Mao Game), from a script he wrote with M.A. Fortin – both creators of the hit series “Queen of The South” and the writers and producers of The Final Girls, The Exorcism follows troubled actor Anthony Miller (Crowe) as he spirals out of control while filming a supernatural horror movie. His estranged daughter (Ryan Simpkins of the Fear Street trilogy) suspects he may be relapsing into addiction, but there could be a more sinister force at work.
Starring alongside Crowe and Simpkins are Sam Worthington (Avatar: The Way of Water, Fractured), Chloe Bailey (Praise This), Adam Goldberg (“The Equalizer,” “Fargo”), Samantha Mathis (“The Strain,” The Punisher), Adrian Pasdar (Home Movie, “Heroes”) and David Hyde Pierce (“Frasier,” “Julia”).
Miller brings a wealth of experience to his second directorial effort, having previously established himself as an actor, producer, and writer, including a lead role in Kathryn Bigelow’s classic vampire film Near Dark. With decades immersed in the horror genre and family ties to iconic roles – his father Jason Miller as Father Damien Karras in The Exorcist and his mother Susan Bernard as a Scream Queen – Miller’s deep knowledge promises an assured direction.
Commenting on the pick up, Miller and Fortin said, “Vertical has been a great partner in helping us complete and realize our vision for this story. Their level of enthusiasm and support are rare to find.”
The Exorcism is produced by Miramax, Kevin Williamson, Ben Fast, and Bill Block. Padraic McKinley, Scott Putman, Andrew Golov, and Thom Zadra serve as executive producers.
Jarowey and Senior Vice President of Acquisitions Tony Piantedosi negotiated the deal on behalf of Vertical, with CAA Media Finance negotiating the deal on behalf of the filmmakers.
The Exorcism will have an exclusive theatrical release beginning on June 7, 2024. Shudder, AMC Networks’ premiere streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, has acquired pay 1 rights to the film.
