Ellen Burstyn Turned Down Lots Of Money To Do ‘Exorcist’ Sequel

Everett Collection

Ellen Burstyn finally said yes to doing an Exorcist sequel but not for the reason you may expect. Over the years, she has turned down many versions. So, what made her actually agree to sign on? It certainly wasn’t “a whole bunch of money.”

The 89-year-old shared, “This time they offered me a whole bunch of money and I still said no. And then they surprised me and they came back and said, ‘We doubled the offer.’ I said, ‘Okay, let me think about this.’ I thought, ‘That’s a lot of money. Let me think about it.’ The next thought that came to mind was, ‘I feel like the devil is asking my price.'”

Ellen Burstyn finally agreed to star in new ‘Exorcist’ films if the studio started a scholarship program

QUEEN BEES, Ellen Burstyn, 2021. © Gravitas Ventures / courtesy Everett Collection

She continued, “The next thought that came to mind was, ‘My price is a scholarship program for talented students at our master’s degree program at Pace University. That’s my price.’ So I then went back and upped their up and ended up getting what I want. And I’ve got a scholarship program for young actors.”

RELATED: The Director Of ‘The Exorcist’ Reveals If He Would Do A Reboot

THE EXORCIST, Ellen Burstyn, 1973 / Everett Collection

Now, three new Exorcist films are in the works with the first one premiering in October 2023. Ellen will star in all of the movies as her character Chris MacNeil, who is the mother of the iconic possessed 12-year-old Regan MacNeil played by Linda Blair.

NOSTALGIA, Ellen Burstyn, 2018. ©Bleecker Street Media/courtesy Everett Collection

Linda has confirmed that she will not be appearing in any of the new films. She tweeted, “As of now there has not been any discussion about me participating or reprising my role. I wish all those involved the best and I appreciate the loyalty and passion the fans have for The Exorcist and my character.”