Pea soup, anyone? The 1971 book The Exorcist, which was the basis for the 1973 classic horror film, is being adapted for a Fox TV pilot, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The series is a serialized psychological thriller set in the present day that focuses on two men dealing with a family’s demonic possession.
The new version hails from 20th Century Fox TV and Morgan Creek Productions, with Jeremy Slater, co-writer of 2015’s Fantastic Four, penning the pilot. There is not currently any word on a planned premiere date.
Director William Friedkin‘s The Exorcist, centering on two priests attempting to save a possessed teenage girl, starred Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Lee J. Cobb and Linda Blair. It was nominated for a whopping 10 Oscars, winning two, and is generally regarded to be among the greatest horror films ever made, with its pea-soup vomit scene frequently parodied in pop culture.
The film spawned a string of poorly received sequels, the most recent of which was 2005’s Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist, which grossed a paltry $251,495 at the box office upon its limited theatrical release.
TV versions of hit films have become trendy of late, although they have had mixed results with viewers. Fox’s Minority Report failed to find an audience this season, while CBS’ Limitless has become a solid ratings performer. Upcoming midseason additions include CBS’ Rush Hour and ABC’s Uncle Buck.
