Full Breakdown
Greg McLean’s Biblical Horror Thriller “The First Exorcist” Moves Toward Production
5/6/2026, 5:27:41 PM
Production Announcement
Upgrade will launch sales for Greg McLean’s biblical horror-thriller The First Exorcist at the Cannes market. Produced by McLean and Mark Fennessy (Helium Pictures), the film stars Australian actors Josh Heuston and Ryan Corr. The project is marketed as a unique blend of horror and biblical epic. The project is now ready for potential global buyers. The film is slated for a Q4 2026 shoot. Additional cast members are being finalized.
Narrative Premise
The script, written by McLean, adapts a Gospel episode. It follows Alexios, a respected farmer, husband and father, whose body and mind become overtaken by a legion of demons. A preacher named Jesus, fleeing Roman authorities, arrives with followers and confronts demonic force behind Gerasene Demoniac, culminating in “Miracle of the Swine,” described as exorcism.
Key Figures
Greg McLean directs, writes, and co-produces, returning to horror after his breakout *Wolf Creek* franchise and recent Netflix work on *Territory* and *War Machine*. Mark Fennessy co-produces through Helium Pictures. The film’s leads are Australian actors Josh Heuston (as Alexios) and Ryan Corr. Upgrade’s Jonathan Kier is handling the Cannes sales launch.
Timeline
- 2024 – Project announced.
- May 2026 – Upgrade confirmed Cannes sales launch and released production details.
- Q4 2026 – Principal photography slated, with potential sites in Victoria and South Australia.
- Cannes 2026 – Film presented to international distributors.
Production Details
The film is pitched as *The Witch* meets *The Passion of the Christ*. Shooting is planned for Australian locations, with Victoria and South Australia under consideration.
Significance
The film blends biblical narrative with horror, as described by its pitch as *The Witch* meets *The Passion of the Christ*. McLean’s established horror credentials and the Cannes sales launch position the project for international distribution.
Official Statements & Responses
McLean called the film a powerful horror event, stressing respect and impact; Kier praised McLean’s fearlessness and Cannes excitement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “McLean said of the project: “This is a unique and powerful tale of faith, but it is also the original horror event: a legion of demons, a man beyond saving, and one encounter that changes everything.” — Greg McLean, Director
- “I approached the story with total respect for what it is, and total commitment to making audiences feel it in their bones.” — Greg McLean, Director
- “This is where it all begins.” — Greg McLean, Director
- “Greg brings a fearlessness to horror that’s genuinely rare, and this story deserves exactly that. We’re thrilled to be taking it to Cannes.” — Jonathan Kier, Upgrade Executive
What’s Next
Production is set to commence in the final quarter of 2026, with locations in Victoria and South Australia under consideration. After the Cannes sales launch, the film will seek distribution partners for a global release.
