Experience the power of faith with the highly anticipated film, “The Exorcist: Believer.” Universal Studios has noticed overwhelming interest from the Hispanic community as the movie prepares for its opening weekend. This trend aligns with the success of recent religious-horror releases such as “The Nun II” and “The Pope’s Exorcist.” Discover why Hispanic audiences are drawn to these spine-chilling films and how they contribute to the box office success of horror movies.
According to Rolando Rodriguez, the chairman of the National Association of Theatre Owners and a Cuban-born individual, Hispanics and Latinos are particularly drawn to the emotional thrill and unique cultural aspects of horror films. He expects “The Exorcist: Believer” to achieve massive success in this demographic.
“The Exorcist: Believer” is a sequel to the iconic 1973 film and portrays the haunting story of two girls who mysteriously vanish for three days in modern-day Georgia, only to return possessed by demons. Their families are thrown into turmoil as they confront their worst nightmares, reigniting a battle rooted in the original movie. Starring Leslie Odom Jr., renowned for his role in the hit musical “Hamilton,” this film is set to captivate audiences.
With a nationwide release in over 3,600 theaters, including Imax and other premium formats, “The Exorcist: Believer” is predicted to earn over $30 million in its opening weekend. While this is expected to secure the top spot at the domestic box office, the success of the film and its planned trilogy remains uncertain for NBCUniversal, who invested $400 million in the project. Additionally, the film faces fierce competition from Taylor Swift’s concert film and a crowded horror movie market as Halloween approaches.
Comscore’s Senior Media Analyst, Paul Dergarabedian, emphasizes the enduring popularity of the horror genre, which continues to captivate thrill-seeking moviegoers. Hispanic and Latino viewers hold significant influence over the box office performance of horror movies, accounting for 26% of the audience compared to 20% for other genres, according to a Comscore/Screen Engine PostTrak Audience Survey.
Renowned film writer R.C. Jara, who has been featured in prominent publications such as Hear Us Scream and Dread Central, sheds light on the communal experience horror films provide for Latinos, particularly in cities with multiple cinemas. The fusion of “the old ways” with modern Christianity, especially Catholicism, plays a significant role in the Hispanic community’s fascination with horror stories.
The Hispanic audience’s love for horror extends back to early Hollywood days. In 1931, Universal released a Spanish-language version of the classic film “Dracula,” which garnered a cult status of its own. Acclaimed Mexican director Guillermo del Toro, known for works like “Pan’s Labyrinth,” has also contributed to the macabre genre. The new “Saw X” movie witnessed a staggering 44% Hispanic viewership during its opening weekend.
Beyond the big screen, spooky folklore related to El Cucuy, the bogeyman, and La Llorona, the weeping ghost, have been shared among Latino communities for generations. Angel Melanson, an editor at Fangoria, emphasizes how such stories are ingrained in Latino culture from an early age, merging with their religious beliefs.
Religion serves as the core element fueling the Hispanic population’s fascination with the horror genre. As the largest religious bloc among Latinos, Catholicism is deeply intertwined with these stories. “The Exorcist” franchise, including William Peter Blatty’s novel and the original film, portrays the dogma and rituals of Roman Catholicism. The possession of a young girl by a demonic force leads her mother to seek the help of priests for an exorcism. Blasphemous scenes, including a notorious crucifix moment, contribute to the movie’s shock value.
Horror aficionados, irrespective of their religious beliefs, often witness a transformative experience while watching “The Exorcist.” The movie, released in 1973, became a highly anticipated event, drawing in audiences of all faiths. Grossing over $193 million, “The Exorcist” remains a gripping theological drama that explores the mystery of faith and goodness, making it much more than a horror film.
Director David Gordon Green, known for his Presbyterian upbringing and involvement with HBO’s evangelical comedy “The Righteous Gemstones,” aims to capture the essence of mystery and curiosity in the new “Exorcist” installment. Green, who co-wrote the film, expands the religious narrative beyond Catholicism, incorporating voodoo and evangelical rituals. He believes that possession is a vast subject, encompassing various myths and ideas from different cultures around the world.
As the Hispanic population in the U.S. experiences shifts in religious affiliation, Pew Research Center reveals a decline in Catholicism and a surge in the number of unaffiliated Latinos, particularly among the youth. Nevertheless, religious themes remain a crucial component of “The Exorcist” franchise. The next film in the trilogy is scheduled to be released on April 18, 2025, coinciding with Good Friday.
NBCUniversal is the parent company of CNBC.
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