After quite the competitive situation, The Hollywood Reporter is saying that Endeavor Content has ultimately won the rights to My Best Friend's Exorcism, the 2016 horror novel from author Grady Hendrix. In addition to developing the big screen adaptation, Landon will also produce alongside Gotham Group’s Ellen Goldsmith-Vein for the project that he will potentially direct. While Hendrix will remain as a creative consultant on the film, scripting duties will fall to AWKWARD and 90210 scribe Jenna Jamia.
Described by THR as a sort of BEACHES meets HEATHERS meets THE EXORCIST, My Best Friend's Exorcism blends teen sisterhood themes with that of horror and good old fashioned demonic possession. At the time of its release, Hendrix's novel was praised for its excellence, and even earned a spot on Paste Magazine's list of the 50 best horror novels of all time.
If you're like me in that you have yet to read the novel, the story takes place during the year 1988, and centers on the relationship of two best friends, Abby and Gretchen. After an evening of skinny-dipping goes horribly wrong, Gretchen appears changed, and Abby slowly arrives at the notion that her dear friend may have become demonically possessed. With a grim fate creeping up their spines, the pair must become stronger than ever if they're to beat back the Devil for a chance to save Gretchen's everlasting soul.
Published by Quirk Books, My Best Friend's Exorcism sounds to me like it has some major potential to be a hell of a ride. I'm picturing something akin to HEATHERS with the tonality of director John Fawcett's 2000 werewolf drama GINGER SNAPS. Obviously, with shows like STRANGER THINGS and GLOW tearing up the viewership charts, now is the perfect time to cash in on people's love of modern day 80s cinema, and Hendrix's tale of friendship and demonic possession could be just what the Devil ordered.