The Exorcism starring Russell Crowe hits cinemas this June

Vertical has acquired North American rights to the horror film The Exorcism (fka The Georgetown Project) starring Academy Award®-Winner Russell Crowe (Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind).

From Miramax, producer Kevin Williamson and Outerbanks Entertainment, the film is directed by Joshua John Miller and 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. In addition to Crowe, the film stars Ryan Simpkins (Fear Street Trilogy), Sam Worthington (Avatar: The Way of Water), Chloe Bailey (Praise This), Adam Goldberg (The Equalizer) and David Hyde Pierce (Frasier).

The film will have an exclusive theatrical release beginning on June 7, 2024. Shudder, AMC Networks’ premiere streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, has acquired pay 1 rights to the film.

The Exorcism follows Anthony Miller (Crowe), a troubled actor who begins to unravel while shooting a supernatural horror film. His estranged daughter (Simpkins) wonders if he’s slipping back into his past addictions or if there’s something more sinister at play.

Filming on The Exorcism took play in 2019. The Pope’s Exorcist (which also starred Russell Crowe, but has no other links to this film) was shot three years later and came out in 2023.

The Exorcism marks the sophomore outing as director for Joshua John Miller after an extensive career acting, producing, and writing. He began his career as one of the leads in Kathryn Bigelow’s vampire classic Near Dark. Miller brings decades of knowledge of horror films to the table, as well as familial connections in his father, Jason Miller, who portrayed Father Damien Karras in The Exorcist (1973), and his mother, Susan Bernard, who was a Scream Queen.

Filmmakers Miller and Fortin said, “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.”

Vertical Partner Peter Jarowey said, “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.”

The Exorcism is produced by Miramax, Kevin Williamson, Ben Fast, and Bill Block. Padraic McKinley, Scott Putman, Andrew Golov, and Thom Zadra serve as executive producers. Below-the-line talent includes director of photography Simon Duggan; production designer Michael T. Perry; editor Matthew Woolley; music by Daniel Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans; costume designer Jodi Leesley; and casting directors Mary Vernieu, C.S.A and Lindsay Graham Ahanonu, C.S.A

Jarowey and Senior Vice President of Acquisitions Tony Piantedosi negotiated the deal on behalf of Vertical, with CAA Media Finance negotiating the deal on behalf of the filmmakers.