David Gordon Green Sheds Light on Chris MacNeil’s Brutal Fate
In a recent interview with CinemaBlend, David Gordon Green, the director of “The Exorcist: Believer,” delved into the shocking twist involving Chris MacNeil, portrayed by Ellen Burstyn. The film sees Chris brutally attacked by the demon Lamashtu, leaving her without her eyes.
“It is such a different type of character [than Laurie Strode]. For Chris, who I feel like is such a soft-spoken, spiritual entity that communicates on a whole different level… she’s a character that I adore because her intentions are always so pure and valid,” Green explained.
The Devil’s Scoreboard: Why Chris MacNeil Had to Suffer
The film introduces us to Victor Fielding, who seeks Chris MacNeil’s help after his daughter and her friend become possessed by the demon Lamashtu. In a harrowing scene, Lamashtu stabs Chris’ eyes out with a crucifix.
“In the scene where that you’re speaking to, she’s there to bring what she’s learned over the years, over the 50 years since the events of Georgetown, and she’s there to help this family cleanse their young daughter of this ailment — and then she gets it handed to her,” said Green.
The director elaborated on the thematic reasoning behind this brutal twist:
“I had the ending in mind, and I wanted a warmth to the ending, but I wanted to make sure that the devil got a few checks on the scoreboard. And it couldn’t be a nice tidy, wrapped up everybody’s happily ever after. I could bring warmth and closure, but also feel like we didn’t get out unscathed,” Green added.
The Aftermath: Chris MacNeil’s Role in the Upcoming Trilogy
Following her devastating injury, Chris spends the rest of “The Exorcist: Believer” in the hospital. She’s notably absent from the film’s climactic exorcism, where Angela is saved and Katherine is dragged to Hell. However, the movie ends on a hopeful note for Chris as her estranged daughter Regan returns to visit her in the hospital.
“After her eyes are stabbed out, Chris spends the rest of the film in the hospital. This keeps her away from the actual exorcism that happens at the end of the film, where Angela is saved and Katherine is dragged to Hell.”
As of now, it’s unconfirmed whether Chris will return in the next installment of Green’s planned trilogy, “The Exorcist: Deceiver.” If she does, her role could be limited due to her injuries. However, with Regan back in the picture, the mother-daughter duo could become central figures in the franchise’s future.
“Although Chris has been incapacitated by Lamashtu, her fifty years of experience studying exorcisms across different cultures means her guidance will be vital moving forward.”
The Mother-Daughter Duo: A New Direction for the Franchise?
With Regan’s return at the end of “The Exorcist: Believer,” the franchise could be setting the stage for a compelling mother-daughter dynamic. Chris’ extensive knowledge in the field of exorcism and Regan’s renewed relationship with her mother could make them a formidable team against new demonic threats.
“With Regan also returning at the end of the movie, the duo could end up working together to confront a new demonic foe,” speculates an industry insider.
What Lies Ahead
While the future of Chris MacNeil in the Exorcist franchise remains uncertain, her impact on the story is undeniable. As fans eagerly await the next chapter, “The Exorcist: Deceiver,” one thing is clear: the battle between good and evil is far from over, and the stakes have never been higher.
