The First Exorcist is the name of a feature thriller that will see director Greg McLean and producer Mark Fennessy collaborating.
The successful duo is calling The First Exorcist “a spellbinding fusion of religious and supernatural events set in Biblical times. A mother’s harrowing quest to save her daughter from demonic possession.
“As their lives descend into a nightmare, the mother learns of a mysterious healer with the power to expel demons, and embarks on a dangerous race against time – encountering hostile Roman authorities on her perilous mission to find the healer and save her daughter’s life.”
The First Exorcist will be produced in Victoria in 2025 utilising Virtual Production Technology to bring epic ancient cities and locations in the story to life.
Greg McLean (Wolf Creek, Rogue, The Belko Experiment, Jungle) will direct the thriller.
Mark Fennessy commented: “Greg’s script delivers an intensity and emotional depth that, combined with jaw-dropping scares, a fascinating historical setting and powerful supernatural themes, will create a milestone film experience. His refined storytelling and dynamic visual style will elevate The First Exorcist, and we are thrilled to bring his spine-chilling vision to life.”
Funding, distribution and casting details are yet to be announced.
Mark Fennessy
About Mark Fennessy and Helium
Helium was founded in 2021 by Mark Fennessy, and comprises Helium Pictures, Helium Studios and Helium Music co. The company creates and produces premium content within the primary genres of scripted, unscripted and factual for all networks, platforms and mediums. Helium Pictures’ recent productions include two seasons of the event drama Last King of the Cross (Paramount+, Sky), the factual series The Assembly (ABC), the eight-hour scripted drama Paper Dolls (Paramount+, WBD), and the feature film 6 Festivals (Paramount+).
Greg McLean
About Greg McLean and Emu Creek Pictures
The Emu Creek Pictures portfolio includes the Wolf Creek franchise. Outside of Emu Creek, McLean has directed high-end television including The Gloaming (ABC), Bloom (Sony), Jack Irish (ABC), La Brea (NBC), The Twelve (Warners), Scrublands (Stan) and the upcoming Netflix series Territory. Recently, he joined fellow director Patrick Hughes and screenwriter James Beaufort in establishing Huge Film, a partnership to produce film and television projects.
See also: Mark Fennessy’s Helium: Production pioneer launches new business