David Gordon Green Exits ‘The Exorcist: Deceiver’

David Gordon Green is parting ways with “The Exorcist: Deceiver” sequel reboot after previously directing “The Exorcist: Believer.”

The 2023 horror film disappointed at the box office even while bringing back the original “The Exorcist” stars Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair. Sequel “The Exorcist: Deceiver” was slated to be released by Universal on April 18, 2025.

The Hollywood Reporter first reported the news and revealed that “The Exorcist: Deceiver” has been removed from the Universal release calendar. Production company Blumhouse is looking for a new director for the film. IndieWire has reached out to those involved.

Green reportedly is stepping away from “The Exorcist: Deceiver” to focus on “Nutcrackers,” a film starring Ben Stiller, and Season 4 of HBO’s “The Righteous Gemstones,” which he executive-produces. Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” meanwhile is taking the April 18, 2025 release date for Universal’s international rollout of the Lionsgate film.

Green was set to direct a full “Exorcist” trilogy at Universal as announced in July 2021. The three-picture production deal with Universal and streaming platform Peacock was priced at “$400 million-plus,” with Green planning on writing and directing each film. The slated trilogy, much like Green’s “Halloween” reboot, serves as a direct sequel to the original “The Exorcist.” William Friedkin directed the 1973 original, which…