THE EXORCIST to Become TV Drama Series?

Deadline reports exclusively that 'Exorcist' franchise owner Morgan Creek is shopping the networks for interest in adapting William Peter Blatty's novel THE EXORCIST into a TV drama series. The fictional bestseller was the inspiration behind William Friedkin's classic 1973's horror film, which celebrate its 40th anniversary this year.

Jeremy Slater, who is currently working on the upcoming "Fantastic Four" remake, wrote the script for the project which reportedly has caught the eye of broadcast and cable networks. Roy Lee ("The Departed," "The Ring") is slated to executive produce.

The original film followed the demonic possession of a young girl and her mother's desperate attempts to win back her daughter through an exorcism conducted by two priests. It starred features Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Jason Miller, Lee J. Cobb, Linda Blair, and (in voice only) Mercedes McCambridge. It is one of a cycle of "demonic child" films produced from the late 1960s to the mid-1970s, including Rosemary's Baby and The Omen.

The Exorcist was released theatrically in the United States by Warner Bros. on December 26, 1973. The film earned ten Academy Awardnominations, winning two (Best Sound Mixing and Best Adapted Screenplay), and losing Best Picture to The Sting. It became one of thehighest-grossing films of all time, grossing over $441 million worldwide. It is also the first horror film to be nominated for Best Picture.