Scream Queen Jamie Lee Curtis Almost Starred in 1973 Cult Classic Horror The Exorcist

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Jamie Lee Curtis, famous for winning an Oscar and starring in many memorable films – earning her the title of ‘Scream Queen’ – once had a chance to try out for a role in another beloved, classic movie.

Jamie Lee Curtis recently shared on The Drew Barrymore Show that she was once considered for the role of Regan MacNeil in the 1973 film The Exorcist. She explained that when she was about 12 years old, her mother, actress Janet Leigh, wouldn’t allow her to try out for the part.

Linda Blair ultimately landed the part and received an Academy Award nomination at only 14 years old. Jamie Lee Curtis began her acting career in 1978, playing Laurie Strode in Halloween when she was 19.

You know, around 5:40 into the interview, Drew Barrymore brought up this old story about whether Linda Blair wouldn’t let her audition for The Exorcist. And it’s true! Linda confirmed the rumors. Apparently, Ray Stark, the producer of The Exorcist and a close friend of her mother’s, actually called her to ask if she’d be interested. It’s such a fascinating little piece of film history!

Jamie Curtis remembers the director called her mother out of the blue, asking if she could audition for his new film, The Exorcist. She was around twelve years old at the time, and he likely remembered her from a party – she thinks he probably thought she was a cute, spirited kid with a good sense of humor.

However, even if she might have been fit for the role, Curtis explained her mother said “No.”

Curtis explained that he was lucky to have had a normal childhood, thanks to his mother. He recognized that this wasn’t the case for Drew, who didn’t have the chance to be a kid and wasn’t shielded from things she shouldn’t have experienced. No one intervened to ensure she had a protected upbringing.

You know, Drew Barrymore really hit the ground running. I mean, she was just seven years old when she landed the lead in Steven Spielberg’s E.T. – a total classic! It’s incredible to think about how early she started her acting career.

Following her work in the Halloween movies, Jamie Lee Curtis appeared in several other horror films like The Fog, Prom Night, and Terror Train, solidifying her reputation as a leading horror actress. She is now set to appear in a new project.

The Exorcist Is Getting Rebooted

Because the 1973 horror film The Exorcist is considered a classic, it’s no surprise the story has continued with many sequels and remakes. Now, it’s getting rebooted once more, this time by acclaimed horror director Mike Flanagan.

While specific details are scarce, the new take on the classic film will offer a different story. The filmmaker shared in May 2024 that The Exorcist deeply inspired them and they’re excited to create something new, daring, and frightening within that established world.

The latest news reveals Scarlett will be making her first appearance in a horror film. Director Flanagan praised her, saying she’s a talented actress who brings authenticity to every role, whether in big-budget movies or smaller films, and he’s thrilled to have her in this Exorcist project.

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2025-12-29 18:10