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
The Exorcist (film series) house-of-cards plot that is constantly collapsing." Kevin Thomas of "Los Angeles Times" gave a mixed review, saying "Exorcist III" "doesn't completely work but offers much more than countless, less ambitious films." "The Exorcist" was nominated for a total of ten Academy Awards in 1973. At the 46th Annual Academy Awards ceremony, the film won two statuettes. The film was nominated for: "The Exorcist" was nominated for a total of five Golden Globes in 1973. At the Golden Globes ceremony that year, the film won four awards. The film was nominated for American Film Institute recognition In 1991, "The Exorcist III"