"BOORMAN AND THE DEVIL" Examines the Infamous Making of "Exorcist II: The Heretic" [TRAILER]

Written By: Sam Santiago

Few horror sequels have developed a reputation quite like Exorcist II: The Heretic. Released in 1977 as the follow-up to William Friedkin’s groundbreaking The Exorcist, John Boorman’s ambitious sequel was met with confusion, disappointment, and plenty of criticism upon arrival. Nearly 50 years later, however, the film has transformed from a notorious misfire into one of horror cinema’s most fascinating cult oddities.

Now, a new documentary is taking a closer look at the chaos behind the camera.

Boorman and the Devil, a documentary exploring the troubled production of Exorcist II: The Heretic, has released its first trailer ahead of its upcoming theatrical debut. Directed and produced by David Kittredge, the film dives into the creative decisions, production challenges, and Hollywood pressures surrounding one of the most debated sequels in genre history.

WATCH THE TRAILER FOR BOORMAN AND THE DEVIL BELOW

While The Exorcist remains widely regarded as one of the greatest horror films ever made, its sequel took a very different path. Rather than attempting to recreate the original's slow-burning possession story, Boorman created a surreal and visually experimental follow-up that explored faith, psychology, and the origins of evil. The result was a film that left audiences divided and critics largely unimpressed.

Yet, like many misunderstood genre films, Exorcist II: The Heretic has found a second life. Over the years, its strange atmosphere, unusual storytelling choices, and behind-the-scenes struggles have helped it gain a devoted cult following.

Whether the documentary changes the minds of longtime detractors remains to be seen, but Boorman and the Devil appears determined to explore why this infamous sequel continues to fascinate horror fans decades later.

The documentary premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2025 and currently holds a 100% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It features appearances from director John Boorman, The Exorcist star Linda Blair, Louise Fletcher, Joe Dante, Mike Flanagan, and Karyn Kusama, along with additional filmmakers and critics discussing the film’s complicated legacy.

The documentary is produced by David Kittredge, Travis Stevens (Jodorowsky’s Dune), and Jim Fall, with the team examining not only the making of Exorcist II: The Heretic, but also the changing Hollywood landscape that surrounded its release.

Yellow Veil Pictures will debut Boorman and the Devil at New York City's Quad Cinema on August 28, followed by a theatrical expansion in Los Angeles and additional markets nationwide beginning September 4.

For fans who have spent decades debating whether Exorcist II: The Heretic is a misunderstood masterpiece or one of horror's most infamous missteps, this documentary may finally provide the missing piece of the puzzle.