The next installment into The Exorcist franchise, The Exorcist: Believer, takes place almost 50 years after the events of the original 1973 film, and a lot has changed in the horror genre in that time span. Movies have gotten scarier, thanks to special effects, advanced makeup and prosthetics, and the ability to push the limits further than ever before. However, many agree that The Exorcist remains one of the most horrific films ever, even in the year 2023. As a result, many expect the upcoming movie won’t be able to live up to the original’s scary factor.
The Exorcist: Believer, which premieres in theaters on October 6, 2023, serves as a direct sequel to the 1973 supernatural horror film and features the return of Ellen Burstyn as Chris MacNeil. Other cast members include Leslie Odom Jr., Ann Dowd, Jennifer Nettles, Norbert Leo Butz, Lidya Jewett, and Olivia Marcum. The sequel’s story revolves around two young girls who become possessed by (seemingly) the same demon who plagued Regan MacNeil in The Exorcist. The children’s parents seek out Chris for help since she is an expert on the demonic matter. But the one question that many want to know about the upcoming film is if it is scarier than the original.
The Exorcist: Believer Is Not Scarier Than The Original Exorcist
Although everyone will ultimately be their own judges regarding whether The Exorcist: Believer is or is not scarier than The Exorcist, first reactions to the 2023 sequel suggest that it either competes with the original or falls short in terms of how terrifying it is. The 1973 film is notorious for completely horrifying audiences when it premiered, with many people having to leave the theater because they were so scared. However, The Exorcist: Believer likely will not have the same reaction since horror movies are different today than they were back then. Consequentially, the sequel will likely not be scarier than the original film. Related: How Much Exorcist: Believer Cost To Make & What Box Office It Needs
Is The Exorcist: Believer Suitable For Kids?
The Exorcist: Believer has been rated R in the United States prior to its theatrical release, meaning that those who are under the age of 17 will need to be accompanied by an adult if they want to see the 2023 horror sequel in theaters. Based on first reactions, its rating, and the trailers for the horror movie, it might be safe to say that it is not suitable for children. If it is as scary as some expect it to be, The Exorcist: Believer may even traumatize adults who watch it in theaters.
