Greg McLean's The First Exorcist reimagines Biblical horror with a demonic showdown
A new Biblical horror-thriller, The First Exorcist, is set to begin filming later this year. Directed by Wolf Creek filmmaker Greg McLean, the project will star Josh Heuston and Ryan Corr. The story centres on a terrifying confrontation between a young preacher named Jesus and a demonic force. The film draws inspiration from the Gerasene Demoniac, a chilling account from the Gospels. It follows Alexios, a man tormented by a legion of demons, and his encounter with the preacher. Producers pitch the movie as a dark blend of The Witch and The Passion of the Christ.
McLean, known for his breakout hit *Wolf Creek*, will helm the project through his production company Helium Pictures. He teams up again with producer Mark Fennessy. The film is scheduled to shoot in the fourth quarter of this year. Sales for *The First Exorcist* will launch at the upcoming Cannes market, handled by Upgrade. The project marks McLean’s return to horror after his franchise-spawning debut.
With a script rooted in Biblical lore and a director experienced in visceral horror, The First Exorcist aims to stand out in the genre. The film’s late-2024 shoot and Cannes market push suggest a high-profile release is planned. Heuston and Corr’s casting adds further weight to the production.
