Exorcist: The Beginning (2004) tells the story of how Father Lankester Merrin's journey to save Regan MacNeil's soul began. In East Africa, he confronts the demon Pazuzu, leading to his first intense battle and a rediscovery of his faith. Directed by Renny Harlin and written by William Peter Blatty, William Wisher, and Caleb Carr, this film stars Stellan Skarsgård, Izabella Scorupco, and James D'Arcy.