Neeson Battling Evil 'Force' In New 'Exorcist'
'Star Wars' Actor Playing Lead In Unnamed Film
POSTED: 9:56 a.m. EST October 30, 2001
As Qui Gon Jinn he taught the ways of the "Force." Now "Star Wars: The Phantom Menance" star Liam Neeson will be battling the forces of evil.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Neeson has signed to star in the unnamed prequel to "The Exorcist."
Neeson will star as Father Merrin in the film, which traces his first encounter with the devil while doing missionary work after World War II in Africa.
Filmmaker John Frankenheimer is directing the prequel, set to begin filming in the spring in the United States, United Kingdom and Africa.
Max von Sydow played Merrin in the original "Exorcist." Frankenheimer has directed such thrillers as "The Manchurian Candidate," "Birdman of Alcatraz" and "The French Connection II," and, most recently, helmed "Ronin" and "Reindeer Games."
The first "Exorcist," starring Linda Blair and Ellen Burstyn and directed by William Friedkin, went on to snag 10 Oscar nominations and win two. It spawned two sequels, "The Exorcist II: The Heretic" and "Exorcist III."
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Neeson has signed to star in the unnamed prequel to "The Exorcist."
Neeson will star as Father Merrin in the film, which traces his first encounter with the devil while doing missionary work after World War II in Africa.
Filmmaker John Frankenheimer is directing the prequel, set to begin filming in the spring in the United States, United Kingdom and Africa.
Max von Sydow played Merrin in the original "Exorcist." Frankenheimer has directed such thrillers as "The Manchurian Candidate," "Birdman of Alcatraz" and "The French Connection II," and, most recently, helmed "Ronin" and "Reindeer Games."
The first "Exorcist," starring Linda Blair and Ellen Burstyn and directed by William Friedkin, went on to snag 10 Oscar nominations and win two. It spawned two sequels, "The Exorcist II: The Heretic" and "Exorcist III."
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