Themes centered on paranormal activity are one of the most iconic tropes in horror history. Considering it always involved anti-Christ antics, it definitely brought forth questions about whether demon possession is real or not.
The original The Exorcist is based on the 1971 book by William Blatty, but did you know that the novel wouldn't have even come to fruition if he hadn't read the true origins behind the possession? So, does this mean Exorcist: Believer is based on a true story?
Is The Exorcist Based on a True Story?
One of the most terrifying horror films ever made is returning after 5 decades with David Green's newest Exorcist Trilogy.
Starting off with Exorcist: Believer this coming October 6th, this would be the best time to learn about the true story behind the ever-growing franchise.
As it so happens, in March 1949, a 14-year-old boy known as 'Robbie' (more commonly known as 'Roland Doe') was believed to have been possessed by a sinister spirit that led The Exorcist's priests to perform an exorcism on him.
It didn't help that 'Roland Doe' was a huge fan of paranormal things and was gifted an Ouija board on his birthday by his Aunt Harriet. After having received the aforementioned gift, the boy started experiencing creepy things around the house.
Similar to how Regan was portrayed in the original 1973 film, no psychiatrists or psychologists could pinpoint and address the paranormal event, which led his parents to contact Father Raymond J. Bishop to perform the actual exorcism.
The author of the novel Blatty was studying at Georgetown University when he heard of the 'Roland Doe' story. Blatty managed to get ahold of the diary one of the priests involved had.
Then, when his novel was released in 1971 and topped the bestsellers list, William Friedkin eventually contacted the author and turned it into a film, with Blatty penning the script.
Since this holds true for the original film, does the same thing apply to the newest sequel trilogy, Exorcist: Believer?
READ MORE: Is The Exorcist: Believer Suitable For Kids? Age Rating Guide and All You Need To Know
The Exorcist: Believer Holds a Similar Story With a Twist
Meanwhile, the Exorcist: Believer is based on a different perspective. It was from Father Gary Thomas, who is an actual exorcist who handled a case in 2005.
At the time, he was helping a young woman who ended up getting possessed and was refusing to be exorcised using traditional methods.
Father Thomas had to go to extreme lengths to save the girl which included his team of medical experts.
In this case, Exorcist: Believer has Leslie Odom Jr. playing the role of Father Gary Thomas as the new franchise trilogy tells the account of the exorcism industry. This time, two young girls are involved, with the demon offering a challenge: "One girl lives, one girl dies. You get to choose."
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