‘The Exorcism,’ a horror film starring Russell Crowe, follows Anthony Miller, a troubled actor who begins acting strangely on a horror movie set. His estranged daughter, Lee (Ryan Simpkins), wonders if it’s because of his past addictions or something more sinister. The film was originally titled ‘The Georgetown Project’ and had a style akin to the iconic horror picture ‘The Exorcist’ with a twist of film-within-a-film similar to ‘Scream.’ Its terrible filming sites offer a terrifying experience both on and off screen.
Where was “The Exorcism” Filmed?
Wilmington, North Carolina
Most of ‘The Exorcism’ was filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina. Filming started on November 4, 2019, and ended on December 18, 2019. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they had to stop and resume filming nearly four years later in 2023.
Cinespace Studios (formerly EUE/Screen Gems Studios): Many of the movie’s inside scenes were shot here, at 1223 North 23rd Street. The studio’s red and white exterior is also seen in the film as part of the movie within the movie that Russell Crowe’s character is working on.
Saint James Episcopal Parish: David Hyde Pierce, playing Father Conor, filmed at this historic church at 25 South 3rd Street. Here, he even played the pipe organ and used weights on his feet to act like an older man. In the movie, this church’s main chapel area, known for its distinctive archway, is where Lee and Blake (played by Simpkins and Bailey) go to seek help from Father Conor.
Brooklyn Arts Center: Located at 516 North 4th Street, this place was used for exterior shots.
North Front Street: This street was dressed up to look like New York City for some scenes. The building at 2 North Front Street also got a temporary makeover to look like a different location.
Dock Street and Studio Lot: Some scenes were filmed at Dock Street and the studio lot, including an impressive house set built on a soundstage and shots of the studio’s screening room. There’s a scene where two characters walk through downtown Wilmington at night, adding to the eerie feeling.
Thalian Hall: As a thank you to Wilmington’s local crew and community, an early screening of ‘The Exorcism’ was held at Thalian Hall. Director Joshua John Miller and co-writer M.A. Fortin appreciated the support of the North Carolina film community during a Q&A session after the screening.
New York City, New York
Some sequences showing the affluent lives of actors were shot in New York City. Initially, the producers planned to film everything in Wilmington and use video from New York for background scenes, but COVID-19 caused a delay, thus these scenes were filmed again in 2023. The film’s urban setting in New York City created a realistic and dynamic mood. The “Williamsburg Bridge” in Brooklyn is one of the film’s most noteworthy locations.
Los Angeles, California
The production also moved to Los Angeles, California. Filming here was convenient because it provided easy access to needed equipment, new crew members, and extras. Known as the entertainment hub of the world, Los Angeles has been the shooting ground for many famous horror movies, adding to ‘The Exorcism’s’ thrilling backdrop.
Australia
Finally, the second phase of filming took place in Australia. Filming here was scheduled to match Russell Crowe’s availability, making sure his other commitments weren’t affected. Shooting in Australia added an international feel to the film and helped attract a global audience. Australia is known for hosting many movies and shows, including the famous ‘Mad Max’ series, which showcases the country’s beautiful landscapes.
In conclusion, ‘The Exorcism’ makes good use of various real locations across Wilmington, New York City, Los Angeles, and Australia to create a chilling horror experience that is sure to captivate audiences.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – The Exorcism
Q: Where was “The Exorcism” filmed?
A: ‘The Exorcism’ was filmed in multiple locations. The primary filming took place in Wilmington, North Carolina. Additional scenes were shot in New York City, Los Angeles, California, and Australia. In Wilmington, key locations included Cinespace Studios (formerly EUE/Screen Gems Studios), Saint James Episcopal Parish, Brooklyn Arts Center, and various streets and studio lots. Filming in New York City, Los Angeles, and Australia helped capture the urban and international aspects of the movie.
Q: What are some specific filming locations in Wilmington, North Carolina?
A: In Wilmington, North Carolina, significant filming locations for ‘The Exorcism’ included:
Cinespace Studios (formerly EUE/Screen Gems Studios) at 1223 North 23rd Street for interior scenes.
Saint James Episcopal Parish at 25 South 3rd Street for key church scenes.
Brooklyn Arts Center at 516 North 4th Street for exterior shots.
North Front Street and 2 North Front Street, dressed up to look like New York City.
Dock Street and other studio lot areas for additional settings and sets.
Q: When was the filming of “The Exorcism” done?
A: Filming for ‘The Exorcism’ began on November 4, 2019, and initially wrapped up on December 18, 2019. However, due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, additional filming was postponed and later resumed in 2023. These reshoots included new scenes and took place in New York City, Los Angeles, and Australia.
Q: What were the challenges faced during the filming of “The Exorcism”?
A: The major challenge faced during the filming of ‘The Exorcism’ was the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic led to a nearly four-year delay in completing additional filming. Initially, production wrapped up in December 2019, but due to pandemic-related restrictions, reshoots could only take place in 2023 in different locations, adding to the complexity of the production schedule.
Q: When is the release date of “The Exorcism”?
A: ‘The Exorcism’ was released on June 21, 2024.
