‘The Exorcism’ Trailer: Russell Crowe Goes Meta as a Troubled Actor Losing His Mind While Making a Horror Movie

Jack Dunn

April 25, 2024 at 12:03 p.m.·1 min read

Vertical has released the first trailer for its upcoming supernatural horror film “The Exorcism,” starring Russell Crowe and Ryan Simpkins.

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

More from Variety

Additional cast members include Sam Worthington (“Avatar: The Way of Water”), Chloe Bailey (“Praise This”), Adam Goldberg (“The Equalizer”), David Hyde Pierce (“Frasier”), Adrian Pasdar (“Near Dark”), Tracey Bonner (“The Beanie Bubble”) and Josh Warren (“Footloose”).

Joshua John Miller serves as director and co-wrote the script with his partner M.A. Fortin. “The Exorcism” marks Miller and Fortin’s second feature, after the 2015 horror comedy “The Final Girls.” They also created the USA Network drama series “Queen of the South.” Producers of “The Exorcism” include Kevin Williamson, Ben Fast and Bill Block.

Crowe continues his streak of horror films after starring in “The Pope’s Exorcist” in 2023 and “Sleeping Dogs” earlier this year. Simpkin is no stranger to the horror genre herself, starring in all three parts of Netflix’s “Fear Street” trilogy, as well as several horror films in the mid-2010s such as “Twixt,” “Hangman” and “Anguish.” Worthington, known best for his work as Jake Sully in the “Avatar” franchise, makes his horror debut with his role as Joe in “The Exorcism.”

“The Exorcism” comes to theaters June 7. Watch the trailer below.

Best of Variety

Associated Press
Fans pack the track for the 150th Run for the Roses
When Lori Hennesy imagined her outfit for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby, she wanted to create something deserving of that monumental anniversary, a celebration of Kentucky’s greatness and history. But Hennesy suspects that the vibe back then would have been the same as today: People are there to see and be seen, to distract themselves from ordinary troubles and have a good time.
The Telegraph
Dire day for Tories as Labour wins in West Midlands and London
Rishi Sunak’s hopes of reviving Conservative fortunes suffered a double blow on Saturday as his party lost the West Midlands mayoral election and Sadiq Khan secured a third term in London.
The Telegraph
It’s time to get behind the Prime Minister
It is often said, and usually true – the party of government rarely performs well in local elections.
The Canadian Press
Montreal launches cruise season with ship that protected 1,500 Ukrainian refugees
MONTREAL — Cruise ship Staff Capt. Rakesh Prasad can't forget the traumatized expressions on the faces of hundreds of Ukrainians who boarded Holland America's Volendam in April 2022. The 1,500 refugees, who had fled their homeland two months earlier after Russia's invasion triggered an ongoing war there, boarded the ship with their scant possessions largely packed in plastic bags. The ship they boarded at the Port of Rotterdam would be their home for the next six months. "You looked at the kids,
KMGH - Denver Scripps
Denver's SeriesFest holds panel on Black representation in medicine
Actor Jocko Sims and Dr. Nia Schwann Mitchell joined forces at “SeriesFest: Season 10” to participate in a panel on the importance of Black doctors.
Digital Spy
Strictly's Faye Tozer lands iconic stage role
Strictly Come Dancing star Faye Tozer is joining the cast of the stage musical production of 101 Dalmatians, filling in for Kym Marsh on selected dates.
Glamour
Bella Hadid and Her Cowboy Boyfriend Stepped Out in Coordinated 'Fits Ahead of the 2024 Met Gala
She ditched her rodeo aesthetic for slashed leather pants.
Miami Herald
Norchad Omier expected to transfer rather than pursue NBA. Here’s where he might land
Former UM guard Kyshawn George invited to NBA Combine, Wooga Poplar to G League Elite Camp.
The Telegraph
‘Phenomenal’ West Midlands win was beyond our expectations, says Starmer
Richard Parker’s “phenomenal” victory in the West Midlands mayoral election was beyond the Labour Party’s expectations, Sir Keir Starmer has said.
The Telegraph
Northampton threaten one of the greatest Champions Cup upsets ever but Leinster just hold on
For all the colourful entertainment provided by the Premiership this season after the trauma of losing three clubs last term, Northampton Saints showed there is a steely resolve behind the fanfare.
The Telegraph
Erling Haaland bites back at Roy Keane’s ‘League Two’ jibe after four-goal haul
Erling Haaland hit back at Roy Keane after the Manchester City striker scored four goals to crush Wolves and leave the Premier League champions three wins away from making history.
CBC
Police investigating an alleged homicide in Mission, B.C.
Police are investigating an alleged homicide at a rural property in Mission, B.C., on Friday night.Mission RCMP said they received a report from B.C. Emergency Health Services of an incident at a home at the 30300-block of Dewdney Trunk Road around 11 p.m. PT. Mission is about 75 kilometres southeast of Vancouver. A 25-year-old man was found unresponsive at the scene and could not be resuscitated.A suspect has been arrested and is in police custody. Police did not state if the suspect has been c
The Telegraph
Sadiq Khan cruises to unprecedented third term
It was a day that began with some hope – or was it wishful thinking – that Sadiq Khan might be ousted in London by his Tory rival, heralding a revival in fortunes for party and government.
PA Media: Sport
Iga Swiatek secures first Madrid title with dramatic win over Aryna Sabalenka
The world number one saved three match points before coming through a tense tie-break to complete a 7-5 4-6 7-6 (7) victory.
PA Media: UK News
Richard Parker: Who is the new mayor for the West Midlands?
The Labour candidate successfully unseated Andy Street on Saturday, winning by 1,508 votes and ending the Tory’s seven-year stint in the region.
The Telegraph
Andy Street toppled as West Midlands mayor in devastating blow to Tories
It was meant to represent a beacon of hope for Rishi Sunak and the Conservative Party. Up and down the country, the week’s local elections had, save for a few exceptions, provided scant reason for cheer – especially ahead of an impending general election. But in the West Midlands, the chances of Andy Street being re-elected as the region’s mayor were encouraging. If not quite a beacon, it was at least a flicker.
People
Ava Phillippe Calls Out Trolls Commenting on Her Appearance Online: 'Bodyshaming Is Toxic Behavior'
"No one deserves to be picked apart for what they look like," the daughter of actress Reese Witherspoon said
House Beautiful
11 easy step-by-step DIY home improvements for the bank holiday weekend
How to panel a wall, makeover your garden and a create fireplace for under £100. Experts and influencers share their step-by-step guides to DIY home improvements.
Reuters
UPDATE 1-Warren Buffett says taxes may rise to offset widening US deficits
Warren Buffett said he expects the U.S. government to increase taxes to tackle widening fiscal deficits rather than reduce spending. "I think higher taxes are likely," he said on Saturday at Berkshire Hathaway's annual shareholder meeting in Omaha. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated in its latest long-term budget projections federal deficits will rise to 8.5% of gross domestic product in fiscal 2054 from 5.5% in fiscal 2024.
The Independent
F1 Miami Grand Prix LIVE: Qualifying start time, updates and results
F1 live updates from Saturday at the Miami Grand Prix with the sprint race and grand prix qualifying

Latest Stories