Film & TV rights to exorcism book Hostage to the Devil picked up by Penchant

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

The book HOSTAGE TO THE DEVIL is written by Father Malachi Martin, who is said to have been the inspiration for William Blatty’s THE EXORCIST. However, Martin wasn’t very fond of the book, or the movie, calling them “grossly inaccurate and potentially dangerous” and thus wrote HOSTAGE TO THE DEVIL.

Martin wrote the book “as a clear warning that Possession is not—nor was it ever—some tale of dark fancy featuring ogres and happy endings. Possession is real, and real prices are paid.” The book sold over a million copies worldwide and inspired a documentary last year.

Today we learn that Hostage to the Devil: The Possession and Exorcism of Five Contemporary Americans by Father Malachi Martin has been picked up Penchant Entertainment for all film and TV rights. The production company’s plan is to make a series of films from the book, with each focusing on a different element from the novel.

In Hostage to the Devil, Martin presents an analysis of demonic possession and the Rite of Exorcism, offering details on the practice and its participants, never seen on screen. Malachi Martin, a former Jesuit priest, professor assisted in nearly a dozen Exorcisms before beginning his work on Hostage to the Devil.

This all sounds very interesting to me. I can hear the pitch now: “It’s THE CONJURING meets THE EXORCIST.” Or better yet, “From the terrifying true stories that inspired The Exorcist comes: Hostage to the Devil.” Starring Bruce Willis. Rated R.

I’m kidding, I’m kidding. This sounds like it could be a very cool new series. Sure exorcisms and demonic possession are riding a dangerously thin line of becoming straight-up boring nowadays, but that’s just how the devil wants it right….

Spooky.

We here at AITH will let you guys know when we hear more about the film and/or TV plan regarding HOSTAGE TO THE DEVIL.