Exorcist II: The Heretic with the idea of directing a sequel, explaining that "every film has to struggle to find a connection with its audience. Here I saw the chance to make an extremely ambitious film without having to spend the time developing this connection. I could make assumptions and then take the audience on a very adventurous cinematic journey." Linda Blair agreed to reprise her role of Regan MacNeil for "Exorcist II", but refused to wear demon make-up (a double was used for the brief flashback scenes depicting a demonic Regan). Max von Sydow was persuaded by Boorman to reprise the role of
Exorcist II: The Heretic Africa (although he failed and was himself possessed). Outside the house, Sharon dies from her injuries and Tuskin tells Lamont to watch over Regan. Regan and Lamont leave while Tuskin stays to answer police questions. Neither William Peter Blatty nor William Friedkin, the writer/producer and the director, respectively, of the original "The Exorcist", had any desire to involve themselves in an "Exorcist" sequel. According to the film's co-producer Richard Lederer, "Exorcist II" was conceived as a relatively low-budget affair: "What we essentially wanted to do with the sequel was to redo the first movie ... Have the central figure, an