Prepare for an exciting ride with “The Exorcist: Believer” as it promises to captivate Hispanic audiences. People familiar with the matter reveal that Universal is witnessing stronger-than-average Hispanic interest in the movie as the opening weekend approaches. This trend aligns with the success of recent religious-horror releases like “The Nun II” and “The Pope’s Exorcist.”

Hispanic and Latino crowds delight in the emotional and thrilling aspects of horror movies, making it a unique experience within their culture. Rolando Rodriguez, the chairman of the National Association of Theatre Owners and a Cuban-born individual, expects great outcomes from “The Exorcist.” This sequel to the classic 1973 original recounts the story of two girls who mysteriously vanish for three days in present-day Georgia only to return possessed by demons. Their families, traumatized by the event, find themselves entangled in an ancient battle rooted in the first movie. The film stars Leslie Odom Jr., renowned for his role in “Hamilton.”

However, “The Exorcist: Believer” faces formidable competition in its second weekend from Taylor Swift, who is releasing the concert film version of her mega-hit Eras Tour. Furthermore, a flurry of horror films are hitting the market as Halloween approaches, making it a crowded film space.

Paul Dergarabedian, a senior media analyst at Comscore, emphasizes the continued popularity of the horror genre, driven by the unwavering demand from thrill-seeking audiences. Horror films have become a communal experience for Latinos, particularly in large cities with multiple cinemas in close proximity.

Hispanic audiences’ fascination with horror movies dates back to the early days of Hollywood. In 1931, Universal released a Spanish-language version of “Dracula,” starring Bela Lugosi, with a distinct cast and crew. This rendition has since become a cult classic. Mexican director Guillermo del Toro, known for works like “Pan’s Labyrinth,” has an Oscar-winning career filled with macabre and fantastical tales. Hispanic viewers accounted for a significant 44% of the audience during the opening weekend of the recent release “Saw X.”

Creepy folklore about El Cucuy (the bogeyman) and La Llorona (the weeping ghost) has an even deeper history in the culture.

Angel Melanson, an editor at horror publication Fangoria, affirms that Latinos have a unique blend of traditional beliefs and modern Christianity, with many practicing Catholicism. Horror stories have been freely shared within communities from an early age, sparking a profound interest in these narratives.

Religious elements play a vital role in the appeal of spooky tales to the growing Hispanic population in the United States. Pew Research Center reveals that Catholics constitute the largest religious bloc among Latinos. The original film “The Exorcist” and its source novel, both created by the late William Peter Blatty, a devout Catholic, delve into the dogma and rituals of Roman Catholicism. The movie portrays the possession of a young girl by a demon, forcing her mother to seek the help of priests for an exorcism. The shocking scenes, including a notorious crucifix moment, thrive on pushing boundaries and examining the mystery of faith.

Experts assert that religious horror films resonate with Latino moviegoers due to the emphasis on rituals. Even for modern Latinos who do not practice Brujeria or cleansings, Catholicism brims with revered rituals. The concept of defeating demons through these rituals not only serves as a survival guide but also captivates the audience.

Surprisingly, even atheistic or agnostic horror fans confess that “The Exorcist” manages to evoke a temporary belief in them, albeit for just a couple of hours. The 1973 original film, released the day after Christmas, became a must-see event with extensive lines of moviegoers from various faiths lining up for a viewing. “The Exorcist” exceeded $193 million in box office revenue, a significant achievement considering its explicit content.

William Friedkin, the late director of “The Exorcist,” believed strongly in God and the power of the human soul. He considered the film to be primarily about the mysteries of faith and goodness that are inexplicable but undeniably present.

Director David Gordon Green, who helms “The Exorcist: Believer,” aims to explore similar territories. Irrespective of individuals’ faith, there exists a curiosity and interest in the unknown. Green, who grew up Presbyterian and is involved in HBO’s evangelical comedy “The Righteous Gemstones,” takes a universal approach in the new film. It extends beyond Jesuit priests to encompass voodoo and evangelical rituals as well. Possession offers a vast world of myths and ideas from diverse cultures.

He acknowledges the beauty of experiencing something beyond doubt or certainty, highlighting the allure of the unfamiliar.

The transformation of the franchise from its Catholic roots mirrors the shifting religious landscape among Latinos in the United States. Although Catholicism still dominates, there has been a significant decline in the number of Latinos identifying as Catholic in recent years, with a rise in the population claiming no religious affiliation. Particularly among the 18-29 age group, being unaffiliated surpasses Catholic identification.

According to R.C. Jara, a film writer published in Hear Us Scream and Dread Central, horror movies serve as a vehicle for non-religious individuals, like himself, to confront evil in a fictional context. Nonetheless, religion remains an integral part of “The Exorcist” franchise.

The next installment in the planned trilogy is scheduled for release on April 18, 2025 – Good Friday.