Happy Death Day director bringing My Best Friend’s Exorcism to screens

November 20th 2018, 4:20pm

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Last year, I had the chance to read/review a copy of Grady Hendrix's teen-horror novel MY BEST FRIEND'S EXORCISM. I don't know if you've had the pleasure of reading the book too, but I found it to be a classic novel of love, friendship, the brutal test of time, and – oh, yeah – demonic possession.

I fell in love with the book – which has been described as HEATHERS meets BEACHES – and have recommended it to any and everyone who will take my recommends. And thus today I'm excited as hell to pass along the news that MY BEST FRIEND'S EXORCISM is heading towards the big screen!

Endeavor Content has picked up the rights to Hendrix's horror novel and that HAPPY DEATH DAY writer-director Christopher Landon is developing the feature and may eventually direct. At the time, however, Landon is merely attached to produce along with Ellen Goldsmith-Vein. Quirk Books, the publisher behind the book, is also producing, making this its first foray into movies. Endeavor Content will co-finance and handle worldwide sales.

The story is set in 1988 and follows

the relationship of two best friends, Abby and Gretchen. After an evening of skinny-dipping goes disastrously wrong, Gretchen begins to act more and more different, as Abby slowly comes to believe her friend has become demonically possessed. Both girls must soon face a tough question: is their friendship strong enough to beat the Devil?

Jenna Lamia (AWKWARD, 90210) will pen the script, with Hendrix on board to creatively consult. While Hendrix is mostly known as the author of horror novels (Horrorstor, Paperbacks from Hell), the man is no stranger to the horror movie scene. He helped pen MOHAWK with Ted Geoghegan and has SATANIC PANIC headed to screen soon too. Production just wrapped on that film, which stars Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O'Connell.

If you haven't read MY BEST FRIEND'S EXORCISM, I suggest you snag a copy over on Amazon tonight. After all, the book wasn't just beloved by this guy but was also named one of Paste magazine’s 50 best horror novels of all time. Plus you've got to love the 80's style VHS cover art (see below).