Dan Stevens, who has become synonymous with indie horror, is paired with icon Al Pacino for the ultimate exorcism film, “The Ritual.” The duo star as two priests who “face the ultimate test of faith,” as the logline teases. The film is based on the true story that was captured in 1935 book “Begone Satan!” about a Church-sanctioned exorcism. The original account of the events went on to inspire “The Exorcist” book and William Friedkin’s famed 1973 film that later spurred a franchise.
The official synopsis for “The Ritual” reads: “When the Church sanctions the exorcism of Emma Schmidt (Abigail Cowan), two priests — divided by doubt — must confront a force beyond comprehension… and their own faith.” Ashley Greene and Patricia Heaton co-star.
Pacino recently told Entertainment Weekly that after starring in “The Ritual,” he can finally watch Friedkin’s “The Exorcist.” Pacino worked with the late auteur on “Cruising,” which was released seven years after “The Exorcist.”
“I didn’t even see ‘The Exorcist’ in my life,” Pacino said, adding, “It’s a great film, I hear. I should see it. I think I’m strong enough to see it now.”
Meanwhile, Stevens is joining another horror franchise by starring in and executive producing the third installment of anthology series “The Terror: Devil in Silver.” The “Abigail” actor will play Pepper, a “working-class moving man who, through a combination of bad luck and a bad temper, finds himself wrongfully committed to New Hyde Psychiatric Hospital — an institution filled with the people society would rather forget,” the logline reads. There, he “must contend with patients who work against him, doctors who harbor grim secrets, and perhaps even the very Devil himself.”
“I’m thrilled to be a part of ‘The Terror: Devil in Silver.’ This series is a dark symphony of psychological horror and gripping drama, set to rock the audience,” Stevens said in a statement. “Victor LaValle, Christopher Cantwell, and this incredible team have crafted a unique and twisted dance of devils and shadows. I look forward to delivering something epic that will echo through the halls like an iron bell.”
Karyn Kusama (“Yellowjackets”) will also executive produce the installment, and will direct the first two episodes of the six-episode season. Ridley Scott and David W. Zucker executive produce for Scott Free Productions, with Alexandra Milchan and Scott Lambert for Emjag Productions, Guymon Casady (Entertainment 360), and Brooke Kennedy executive producing.
XYZ Films will release “The Ritual” in theaters on Friday, June 6. Check out the trailer below.