Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Exorcist actor was given terrifying warning by priest while working on classic horror film

This really isn’t what he needed to hear

Jacob Stolworthy
Thursday 17 September 2020 06:12 EDT
Comments
How people reacted when The Exorcist was released in cinemas

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

One of The Exorcist's lead stars was given an ominous message by a priest while filming the classic horror.

The beloved film, first released in 1973, tells the story of Regan (Linda Blair), a 12-year-old girl who is possessed by a demonic entity.

Jason Miller appeared in the film as Father Karras, one of the priests enlisted by Regan's mother (Ellen Burstyn) to help her daughter.

However, while working on The Exorcist, the actor was allegedly approached by a real-life priest, who had no knowledge of the film he was working on.

Handing him a medallion, the priest is said to have told Miller: “Reveal the devil for the trickster that he is, he will seek retribution against you or he will even try to stop what you are trying to do to unmask him.”

The role went on to earn Miller an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

It's just one of many odd occurrences that are rumoured to have plagued the film's production and ensuing release.

At a cinema situated between two churches in Rome on the day of a screening of the film, lightning reportedly struck a 400-year-old cross, which fell in the middle of the piazza.

The Exorcist, which was re-released 15 years ago this week, was highly controversial upon its initial release. 

Several cities attempted to ban the film outright and, in the UK, it was unavailable to own until 1999.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in