15 things you probably didn't know about 'The Exorcist'

Max KalnitzOct 14, 2020, 02:56 IST

Father Merrin outside the MacNeil home in "The Exorcist."Bettmann/Getty Images

Ever since "The Exorcist" was released in 1973, the movie has been regarded as one of the scariest of all time.
The movie is based on a novel of the same name, which catalogs the real events of an exorcism in 1949.
Mercedes McCambridge, who voiced the demon haunting Regan, relied on a diet of raw eggs, whiskey, and cigarettes to get the raspy voice for the part.
"The Exorcist" could have turned out totally different had Stanley Kubrick taken an offer to direct the film.

When "The Exorcist" was released in 1973, it launched horror in a completely new direction and remains one of the most suspenseful, frightening movies in the genre.

The film tells the terrifying story of the exorcism of 12-year-old Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair). When Regan begins to experience incredible night terrors — levitating, breaking out in sores, talking in a low demonic voice, super strength — her mother (Ellen Burstyn) seeks medical help. When that proves unsuccessful, Father Karras (Jason Miller), a local priest, believes she's possessed by the devil. With the help of Father Merrin (Max Van Sydow) the two perform an exorcism and try to save the young girl.

Like every film, there are movie magic tricks, behind-the-scenes stories, and Easter eggs you may not have caught in the movie. Here are 15 surprising and interesting facts you may not have known about "The Exorcist."

"The Exorcist" is based on a true story.

"The Exorcist" movie poster. Movie Poster Image Art/Getty Images

Warner Bros. originally wanted Stanley Kubrick to direct the movie.

Stanley Kubrick. Keith Hamshere/Getty Images

The movie almost had an entirely different, star-studded cast.

Kitty Winn, Jason Miller, and Linda Blair. Bettmann/Getty Images

Linda Blair's mother brought her to audition for the film without an appointment.

Linda Blair and Ellen Burstyn in "The Exorcist." Mondadori Portfolio/Getty Images

Actor Max Von Sydow, only 44 at the time, required hours of makeup to play the role of elderly Father Merrin.

Max Von Sydow as Father Merrin. Archive Photos/Getty Images

The film's bedroom set was refrigerated to create authentic clouds of mist when the actors spoke.

Jason Miller breathes an icy breath on the set of "The Exorcist." Warner Bros./Getty Images

Mercedes McCambridge, who voiced the demon, relied on a gnarly diet to find the perfect voice.

The demon haunts 12-year-old Regan in "The Exorcist." Sunset Boulevard/Getty Images

The "pea soup" scene only took one take, thanks to Jason Miller's genuine disgust at being covered in fake vomit.

William Friedkin (left) talks with Jason Miller on set. Bettmann/Getty Images

Although it's not mentioned in the movie, the demon in "The Exorcist" is named Pazuzu.

Father Merrin observing the statue of Pazuzu in "The Exorcist." Sunset Boulevard/Getty Images

Members of the cast and crew believed the set was actually haunted and had a priest bless it.

Father Merrin blessing Regan MacNeil in "The Exorcist." Mondadori Portfolio/Getty Images

The iconic image of Father Merrin featured on "The Exorcist" movie poster was inspired by a series of famous paintings.

Father Merrin outside the MacNeil home in "The Exorcist." Bettmann/Getty Images

The film was so scary that theaters had to hand out sick bags, and there were reports of people fainting.

Linda Blair in "The Exorcist." Sunset Boulevard/Getty Images

Warner Bros. had to hire bodyguards to protect the actress who played Regan.

Actress Linda Blair as Regan MacNeil in "The Exorcist." Sunset Boulevard/Getty Images

"The Exorcist" was the first horror movie to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Picture.

A scene from "The Exorcist." Warner Bros.

You can visit the famous scary staircase from the movie.

Tourists snapping a selfie at the "Exorcist" staircase in Washington, DC. ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/Getty Images

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