Exorcist: The Beginning 2004

Exorcist: The Beginning is a 2004 American supernatural horror film serving as a prequel to The Exorcist (1973), and the fourth installment in The Exorcist film series. Directed by Renny Harlin, the film stars Stellan Skarsgård, Izabella Scorupco and James D'Arcy. The film follows Father Lankester Merrin, whose faith has been renounced after his experiences in World War II, as he works as an archeologist and discovers dark occurrences while excavating in Kenya. The film was retooled from Paul Schrader's nearly-completed Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist, which Morgan Creek Productions executives feared would be unsuccessful. Morgan Creek commissioned The Beginning with the emphasis of featuring more scares and gore. In addition to Harlin replacing Schrader, Hawley rewrote William Wisher and Caleb Carr's original script, while Mark Goldblatt and Todd E. Miller replaced Tim Silano as editors. Exorcist: The Beginning was released in the United States on August 20, 2004, by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film received negative reviews from critics and grossed over $78 million against a $50 million production budget.