Exorcist: The Beginning is a 2004 American supernatural horror film directed by Renny Harlin from a screenplay by Alexi Hawley. It is the fourth installment in The Exorcist film series and serves as a prequel to The Exorcist (1973). The film stars Stellan Skarsgård, Izabella Scorupco, and James D'Arcy. The film follows Father Lankester Merrin, whose faith has been renounced after his experiences in World War II, as he works as an archeologist and discovers dark occurrences while excavating in Kenya.
The movie was released on August 20, 2004 by Warner Bros. Pictures, it received negative reviews and grossed $78.1 million against the budget of $50 million. The movie was also nominated for two Golden Raspberry Awards which is Worst Director and Worst Remake or Sequel, but lost to 2 other movies from Warner Bros, Catwoman and Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed