Russell Crowe has teased that 2023’s The Pope’s Exorcist may just be the start of a much larger saga. Despite its modest $18 million budget, the film managed to gross over $77 million, spurring discussions of a sequel. However, Crowe, the film’s star, hints that the future might hold even more than just one additional installment.
In an interview with The Six O’Clock Show, Crowe revealed that the producers had initially secured approval from the studio for not just one sequel, but for two. Unfortunately, this ambitious vision has been temporarily stalled due to a change in studio leadership.
Crowe shared, “Well that’s in discussion at the moment. The producers originally got the kick-off from the studio not just for one sequel but for two. But there’s been a change of studio heads at the moment, so that’s going around in a few circles. But very definitely, man. We set that character up that you could take him out and put him into a lot of different circumstances.”
Russell Crowe in The Pope’s Exorcist (2.0 Entertainment, Jesus & Mary, Loyola Productions)
Despite the current hold, Crowe remains optimistic about the franchise’s future, emphasizing the wealth of source material available for further exploration. He highlighted that Gabriele Amorth, the real-life exorcist on whom the film is based, wrote 12 books, providing a rich narrative reservoir for potential sequels.
Crowe reiterated, “And remember, the man that’s based on, Gabriele Amorth, he wrote 12 books. So we have more than enough source material to do one or two more of those films.”
The Pope’s Exorcist concludes with a tantalizing setup for future films. The protagonist, Father Gabriele Amorth, discovers that the demonic presence he has been battling is just one of 100 around the world. This ending sets the stage for a broader, more global quest to combat evil, leaving the door wide open for sequels that could take the narrative in various exciting directions.
Crowe’s excitement for the project is palpable, and he is optimistic that progress will resume shortly, stating, “That probably won’t be until next year,” giving fans hope that Father Amorth’s adventures will continue on the big screen.
Russell Crowe in The Pope’s Exorcist (2.0 Entertainment, Jesus & Mary, Loyola Productions)
The potential for a trilogy excites horror genre enthusiasts, reflecting the growing trend toward cinematic universes that allow for more profound storytelling and character development. With a character as compelling as Father Amorth and a backdrop rich in mystery and suspense, there is no doubt that ample material exists to support a series of films.
The possibility of expanding The Pope’s Exorcist into a trilogy highlights the enduring appeal of supernatural stories and the eternal battle between good and evil. Although the franchise’s future is currently uncertain, the potential for a trilogy presents an exhilarating prospect for horror fans.
