If you’ve ever doubted Taylor Swift’s ability to send shivers down anyone’s spine, think again! It seems that not even the demonic spirits of the much-anticipated Exorcist sequel can stand up to the might of Swift’s melodies.
In what we might lovingly dub as the “Battle of the Box Office,” Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour film announcement had the team behind “The Exorcist: Believer” clutching their rosaries. Swift’s surprise film drop was set to haunt theaters on October 13, which initially was the date when audiences could get their next dose of pea soup nightmares. However, Universal Pictures seemingly said, “Not today, Satan,” and pushed “Believer” up a week to dodge the impending Swift storm.
Jason Blum of Blumhouse, possibly while flicking holy water, jestingly tweeted, “Look what you made me do. The Exorcist: Believer moves to 10/6/23. #TaylorWins.” Perhaps someone should be checking if Taylor has any telekinetic powers on top of her songwriting talents.
The mass hysteria (or should we say Swift-steria?) caused by the Eras Tour film news was evident when AMC Theatres’ app nearly imploded from the weight of Swifties trying to nab a ticket. And while some horror buffs might be sighing in relief, they’ll now have to choose between the devil they know and… well, “Dumb Money”, a dramedy centered around the Reddit-spawned GameStop stock debacle. Plus, lurking in the shadows is Martin Scorsese’s star-studded “Killers of the Flower Moon”, waiting to pounce a couple of weeks later.
As for “The Exorcist: Believer”, we get to see Ellen Burstyn, the original’s shining star, come back to battle with the forces of evil once again. New faces also grace this installment, with talents like Leslie Odom Jr. and Ann Dowd joining the roster. But one does wonder, will the evil spirits get the memo about the date change?
In all seriousness and jokes aside, the strategic shift in release dates reflects the undeniable impact of cultural icons on the cinema landscape. While Taylor Swift and “The Exorcist: Believer” may cater to vastly different audiences, it’s a testament to the ever-evolving dynamic of the entertainment industry, where music and movies blend, compete, and sometimes even harmonize. It’s a dance as old as time, and one that ensures audiences always have a rich tapestry of choices on the big screen. Whether you’re a Swiftie, a horror aficionado, or both, October promises a feast for the senses.
