There have been so many great horror films that have delighted genre diehards and general audiences alike in the early months of 2023. This includes original terrors likeM3GANand scary franchise returns likeScream VIandEvil Dead Rise. However, even the most well versed horror fan wouldn’t have been able to predict the box office success that would beThe Pope’s Exorcist. The supernatural horror tale starringRussell Crowehas been a hit, and now it’s been announced that Sony will be releasing the film on digital this week.
This comes afterThe Pope’s Exorcist’s smashing theatrical debut in mid-April. In just three weeks of release, the film has made $55 million at the worldwide box office. That might not seem like much, but this is the horror genre we’re talking about. This was a demonic beast of a film that only had the modest price tag of $17 million.The Pope’s Exorcisthas more than doubled that which made Sony quickly get to work on asequel. It eventook down Universal’sRenfield, a monster movie with a much bigger budget and arguably more marketing behind it. YetNicolas Cage’s Dracula found one Pope he couldn’t blow up.
However, the Pope’s personal exorcist wasn’t just a moneymaker, it was a good film in its own right. While the film was filled with haunted house genre clichés, Crowe elevated what was on the page and directorJulius Averybrought a nice gothic flair to this hellishly fun scarefest. Also, for fans who rarely see “A-list” actors in horror films at the height of their career, Crowe’s obviouspassion for the source materialwas a nice change of pace.
RELATED:‘The Pope’s Exorcist’ Ending Explained: Can Russell Crowe Save the World?
What’sPope’s ExorcistAbout?
The Pope’s Exorcistfollows FatherGabriele Amorthwho was thereal-lifeVatican’s top exorcist. The film used theoverdone set up of a possessed childas a compelling labyrinth to touch on religious cover-ups and the church’s touchy history while acknowledging the existence of the “afterlife”. LikeThe Conjuringfranchise before it, which is based on the case files ofEd and Lorraine Warrenwho Amorth knew, a sequel could go literally anywhere. Amorth kept a diary of all his unholy adventures, and who wouldn’t want another story with this Vespa loving exorcist?
When DoesPope’s ExorcistRelease On Digital?
The Pope’s Exorcisthits digital on Tuesday, May 2. However, the film is still in theaters now for any brave soul looking to satisfy their horror craving. While fans wait for more sequel news, you can check out Collider’s interview with Crowe aboutGladiator 2andThe Pope’s Exorcistdown below:
