EXCLUSIVE: Vertical has acquired North American rights from Miramax to the horror film The Exorcism (fka The Georgetown Project), starring Academy Award winner Russell Crowe, slating it for an exclusive theatrical release beginning June 7, with Shudder picking up pay 1 rights.
Directed by Joshua John Miller, The Exorcism follows Anthony Miller (Crowe), a troubled actor who begins to unravel while shooting a supernatural horror film. His estranged daughter (Ryan Simpkins) wonders if he’s slipping back into his past addictions or if there’s something more sinister at play.
Remarkably, the film is Crowe’s second in the exorcism subgenre in just two years, on the heels of Sony’s The Pope’s Exorcist, which grossed nearly $77 million worldwide.
From Miramax, producer Kevin Williamson and Outerbanks Entertainment, the film is written by Miller and M.A. Fortin, the creators of the hit series Queen of the South and the writers and producers of The Final Girls. Additional cast includes Sam Worthington (Avatar: The Way of Water), Chloe Bailey (Praise This), Adam Goldberg (The Equalizer) and David Hyde Pierce (Frasier).
Miramax, Kevin Williamson, Ben Fast and Bill Block produced alongside EPs Padraic McKinley, Scott Putman, Andrew Golov and Thom Zadra.
Said filmmakers Miller and Fortin in a statement to Deadline, “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.”
Added Vertical Partner Peter Jarowey, “Joshua has a profound expertise in this genre, and we applaud his creation of a film that reverently nods to classic horror while adding a fresh twist. We want to thank everyone at Miramax for their partnership and are looking forward to bringing the film to theatres nationwide this summer.”
Jarowey and Senior Vice President of Acquisitions Tony Piantedosi negotiated the deal on behalf of Vertical, with CAA Media Finance negotiating on behalf of the filmmakers.
