The Exorcist (film series) search for the missing footage is "ongoing". An upcoming book titled "The Evolution Of William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist III: From Concept To Novel To Screen" by author Erik Kristopher Myers will reveal the whole story behind the film's development, and publish never-before-seen images, the original script, studio notes, various drafts of the story as it has evolved, and interviews with Blatty, Brad Dourif, Mark Kermode, John Carpenter, and many others associated with the film. Myers in an interview said that "The Exorcist III" "has sort of turned into horror genre’s equivalent to Orson Welles' "The Magnificent Ambersons", in that
The Exorcist (film series) “[N]othing more than a religious porn film, the gaudiest piece of shlock this side of Cecil B. DeMille (minus that gentleman’s wit and ability to tell a story) …” Over the years, "The Exorcist"s critical reputation has grown considerably. The film currently has an 85% "Certified Fresh" approval rating on the Rotten Tomatoes website, based on 40 reviews the website collected. Some critics regard it as being one of the best and most effective horror films; admirers say the film balances a stellar script, gruesome effects, and outstanding performances. However, the movie has its detractors as well, including Kim Newman