In 1978, Blatty adapted his novel "Twinkle, Twinkle, "Killer" Kane" into a new book titled "The Ninth Configuration", and in 1980 he wrote, directed, and produced a film version, which focused on the question of the existence of God. The film was a commercial flop despite critical acclaim. Movie critic Jerry Stein called it a "masterpiece" in "The Cincinnati Post," and Peter Travers described it as "the finest large-scale American surrealist film ever made" in "People" magazine. At the 38th Golden Globe Awards in 1981 it was nominated for three Golden Globes, and won the Best Writing Award against competition that included "The Elephant Man" (1980), "Ordinary People" (1980), and "Raging Bull" (1980). In 1983, Blatty wrote "Legion", a sequel to "The Exorcist" which later became the basis of the film "The Exorcist III". At first he was unable to set up the production because he wanted to direct the film. with producer Carter DeHaven at Morgan Creek Productions. Blatty directed the film. He originally wanted the movie version to be titled "Legion", but the film's producers wanted it to be more closely linked to the original. The first sequel, "" (1977), was disappointing both critically and commercially. Blatty had no involvement with it and his own follow-up ignored it entirely.