There are few people the average person associates with The Exorcist brand more than Linda Blair. The visuals of her demonic form spitting up green vomit, spider-walking down the stairs, and her head spinning around are all the stuff of legend. So when The Exorcist: Believer (read our review HERE) was announced as having Ellen Burstyn return in her original role of Chris MacNeil, the general consensus was: Where’s Blair?
I was very fortunate to sit down with Linda Blair to discuss all things Exorcist in anticipation of the film’s 50th anniversary (it came out on December 26th, 1973). Linda is an absolute sweetheart and a highlight of talking to her was when she brought up how William Friedkin (lovingly referred to as “Billy”) would always call people whose name he didn’t know: JoBlo. I can only imagine what he thought when this site popped up in the 90s! But we, of course, got into all things Exorcist. So if you want to avoid spoilers for The Exorcist: Believer, then take that story with you as you go watch this movie on Peacock or Physical then come back and check out our awesome interview with Regan herself.
I think most of us didn’t believe David Gordon Green when he claimed that Linda’s Regan would not be involved in the new sequel’s story. But Believer releasing right in the middle of the SAG Strike meant that nothing could be said one way or another. This proved to be extremely difficult for all involved but thankfully, she can now discuss her involvement which extended past a brief cameo toward the end. They were very interested in getting her perspective, so she actually had a hand in the script. Blair herself said:
I worked with them on the screenplay. I worked with them on if they were actually going to use young people, that there were certain things that I would advise [them] to put into place if they wanted my blessings. And so they listened. They’re very, very kind, nice people. And they did the right thing. They had everybody on set that if anybody had questions, whether it was psychological, you know, theology, whatever it may be that the girls had access or the other actors. And everybody was very appreciative. I came onto the set as a secret and that was when we were doing the [scene] that we all kind of felt, maybe the audience kind of needed. So I’ve been aware of it for obviously a long time, but we had to keep it a secret to have a surprise.
Given all Blair went through during the first film, it’s great that she was able to serve as almost a “protector” for the two young girls who would play possessed. Blair had infamously broken her back due to a faulty contraption and the production refused to take her to the hospital. But thankfully we’ve had a lot of progress in 50 years, so this wasn’t as much of a concern for Blair. She knew they’d be safe. She was there “more emotionally and psychologically, I wanted to make sure that they were OK. And I can tell you, those two girls are strong as can be.” While Blair wasn’t able to be on set, “They knew what I had put in place for them. So they know that I supported them and then afterwards getting to know them. They’re amazing. I think they’re going to have very, I hope they’re very strong, beautiful careers because they’re very, very talented.”
Another unfortunate casualty of the SAG Strike, was a celebration of The Exorcist: 50th Anniversary release. Blair even points out that the fact that she and Ellen being alive all this time later is somewhat remarkable. So it would have been nice to see those two do something together past their very brief scene in the film. “It’s very frustrating and yet the audience has been very kind and supportive and they were there. And then as soon as the gag order was up, you know, we’re all happy to talk about everything. And very grateful to the press and to the public for understanding, we could say nothing.”
As to whether or not Blair will have a larger role in Exorcist: Deceiver, only time will tell. Blair herself doesn’t seem very interested in returning to the world of acting and seems content doing her animal rescue work. But she is also very aware of how her acting work can bring a spotlight to her causes. She’s also writing her own autobiography, which is sure to get into even greater detail about her time with the franchise:
I’m a little bit on the senior side. It’s tough everybody, there’s a lot of incredible stories that people need to know and the journey from the film and everything in my life and what I have done and all the the changes that we hope can be made. But I was a very adventurous human and I believe that, you know, due to the film, I got to travel. Well, I have been in [many] planes. I have done loopty loops. I, you know, [have participated in] training shows… Olympics on the Olympic level with the horses. I’ve had a large life and there are lessons that I believe can be helpful to others.
While Linda and I talked Exorcist a bunch, what really stood out to me was her work for animals. She founded the Linda Blair Worldheart Foundation in 2003 and has been on a mission to help animals for most of her life. I found it fascinating that she always wanted to be a Veterinarian but “acting just happened.” Her passion for doing what’s right is ridiculously commendable. So I wanted to make sure to highlight her message:
I’m reaching out saying I’ve declared it a state of emergency for the animals in and across the country. There is a lack of veterinarian care that is causing a lack in spay and neuter vaccinations, and that’s why we have so many unwanted litters. Coming out of the pandemic, there’s a lot of mental fragility, and we all know this. A lot of homelessness and there’s so many different factors. The war, all of these are contributing. People kind of don’t know what to do. They’re not necessarily. Acting properly, as we all know. So my message is we need to declare this a state of emergency for the animals, get the veterinarians to help us get proper pricing. Animal welfare started in 1860. The animal protection and the laws have gone. Willy nilly and it’s got to stop. Enough is enough and I know the public is begging for change. And so I say, look, follow people like myself who are fighting so hard. Follow in your own communities. What can you do to make a difference if it’s a person in need? A senior or family, somebody that is asking for help. Try to reach out, you know, dig deep and lend a helping hand. And I believe that we can make great change, but it has you have to have some trust in faith.
And I think that’s a beautiful message to leave this on. Make sure you check out The Exorcist: Believer on Peacock or buy the Blu-ray!