In a recent interview, Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe discussed his latest horror film, “The Exorcism,” which draws intriguing connections to the classic “The Exorcist.” Directed by Joshua John Miller—whose father, Jason Miller, famously portrayed Father Karras in the original film—”The Exorcism” explores the story of Anthony, a down-and-out veteran actor played by Crowe, who is invited to perform as a priest in a horror movie about exorcism. He sees this role as a chance for redemption, but soon begins to exhibit erratic behavior, leaving his estranged daughter, played by Ryan Simpkins, uncertain whether his issues stem from a relapse into addiction or something far more sinister.

The film has garnered positive reviews, with IndieWire stating, “It satisfies ‘Exorcist’ fans more than ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ does.” Interestingly, “The Exorcism” has a unique tie to the original horror classic, as director Miller has long been fascinated by the supernatural occurrences on set and the unexpected events his father faced during the making of “The Exorcist.” The film serves as both a homage and a reimagining of his father’s legacy.

The trailer reveals Crowe’s character exhibiting signs of possession, including a spine-tingling homage to the iconic backward-bending scene from “The Exorcist,” raising the question of what horrific experiences he faces throughout the film.

Crowe also shared a personal anecdote about the lasting impact of “The Exorcist” from his childhood. He recalled watching it for the first time at age 14 in a theater in Auckland, New Zealand. Midway through the film, an employee attempted to lighten the mood by banging a broom on the ceiling, but the more than 500 people in attendance did not find it amusing.

Additionally, Crowe recounted strange occurrences while filming “Unhinged” in New Orleans during the summer. He described the house where they filmed as having a pool with water that was unexpectedly warmer than a bathtub, lights that would flicker on and off on their own, and a hallway that seemed uneven, making it feel like a rollercoaster ride. It wasn’t until later that Crowe learned the house had previously belonged to NFL player Will Smith, who tragically died in a traffic dispute in 2016. “Unhinged,” which delves into road rage, took on an eerie significance with this backstory.