THE EXORCIST
The Exorcist is an iconic horror franchise created by William Peter Blatty, originating with his bestselling 1971 novel and landmark 1973 film adaptation directed by William Friedkin. Spanning six feature films, a two-season television series, virtual reality gaming, audio dramas, and manga adaptations, the franchise remains one of the most influential supernatural horror properties in media history.
Cronologia
Panoramica
Created by author William Peter Blatty with his seminal 1971 novel, The Exorcist evolved into one of the most influential and enduring franchises in horror history.
Following the record-breaking success of William Friedkin's 1973 film adaptation—which grossed over $440 million worldwide and earned ten Academy Award nominations—the IP expanded across generations.
To date, the franchise encompasses two core novels (The Exorcist and its 1983 sequel Legion), six released feature films, an upcoming reimagining directed by Mike Flanagan slated for March 2027, a two-season television series on Fox, rare 1974 Japanese manga adaptations, a 2014 BBC Radio 4 audio drama, and a multi-chapter VR video game experience.
Origini
The origins of The Exorcist trace back to author William Peter Blatty's student days at Georgetown University in 1949, when he heard accounts of a real-life exorcism involving a young boy in Maryland and St. Louis (under the pseudonyms Roland Doe and Robbie Mannheim).
Inspired by this case and Jesuit priest William S. Bowdern's involvement, Blatty published his novel in 1971 set near Georgetown's campus in Washington, D.C.
The narrative centers on 12-year-old Regan MacNeil and the battle for her soul waged by Father Lankester Merrin—whose character was physically modeled after British archaeologist Gerald Lankester Harding—and Father Damien Karras. Blatty adapted his own novel into the 1973 film directed by William Friedkin, earning an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and establishing a new paradigm for modern horror.
Personaggi
I PEZZI DI THE EXORCIST
Collezionismo
For bibliophiles and media collectors, The Exorcist offers high-value literary grails and rare historical print items. Highly sought-after centerpieces include the 2010 Cemetery Dance special omnibus edition containing both The Exorcist and Legion, signed by William Peter Blatty and limited to only 750 standard copies alongside 52 ultra-rare leatherbound editions.
Another prized release is the 2011 40th Anniversary edition, which features revised text by Blatty and interior artwork by Jeremy Caniglia. Vintage collectors actively pursue rare international first printings—including Italian, French, Spanish, and Brazilian editions—as well as the scarce 1974 Japanese promotional manga issues published in Weekly Shōnen Sunday by horror artist Kazuo Umezu and in Shōnen Champion by Shinichi Koga.
Horror manga legend Kazuo Umezu created an official promotional manga adaptation for the movie's 1974 Japanese release.
