Chilling Ties: How a 51-Year-Old Horror Franchise Echoes the Lives of Four Real-Life Serial Killers

Ah, the ominous allure of William Friedkin's 1973 horror gem, The Exorcist. It’s a film so steeped in mystery and mayhem that “cursed” hardly scratches the surface. Think of it—a whirlwind of hysterical audiences, saucy tales from behind the camera, and a sprinkle of religious panic that all came together to forge a reputation for real-life wickedness. You couldn’t make this stuff up even if you tried!

And let’s not forget the *notorious* company it keeps. The infamous Exorcist trilogy has its share of admirers—yes, that’s right, the likes of the Zodiac Killer, the Gainesville Ripper, and Jeffrey Dahmer—oh, my! And to top it off, a genuine killer actually landed a small role in the original film. Who knew horror had such attractive benefits, right?

Historically speaking, horror films make for fantastic scapegoats during public crises. I mean, let’s face it, it’s far easier to toss a movie on the altar of blame than to confront the gritty realities of societal violence. Yet, when a storied franchise like The Exorcist attracts such infamously creepy fans, you can’t help but notice the uncanny connections. These film lovers have also been linked to other chilling classics like Scream, Cruising, and American Horror Story: NYC. Now, let’s not jump to conclusions—there’s no evidence that these films incited their dark deeds—but can we agree there’s something unsettling about it all?

Friedkin’s chilling depiction of a possessed little girl sent viewers sprawling in the aisles from sheer terror—although, surprisingly, one viewer found it downright hilarious. In all honesty, compared to the horrifying escapades of a certain unidentified criminal stalking Californian couples in the '60s, the film was practically a laugh riot! The Zodiac Killer even had the audacity to write to The San Francisco Chronicle, calling The Exorcist “the best satirical comedy” he’d ever seen—well, you know what they say about bad press.

Now, here’s where it gets downright juicy. Exorcist screenwriter William Peter Blatty was inspired by our beloved Zodiac when creating the astrologically-titled Gemini Killer for his 1983 novel, Legion, which later graced the silver screen in The Exorcist III. This film? A masterpiece that promises enough terrors to compensate for a plot that may confuse even the most astute viewer. Imagine the original Damien Karras (played by Jason Miller) now home to a Satanic serial killer while simultaneously possessing innocent passersby—talk about a guest who overstays their welcome!

The Zodiac believed his victims would be his devoted followers in the afterlife—eerily similar to how Gemini manipulates the living. Two powerhouse actors portray Gemini: Brad Dourif (the killer’s original self) and the brilliant Jason Miller, sporting those eerie yellow contacts that make you scream "Why?!" just by looking at him.

Speaking of screams, serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer had a curious fixation with The Exorcist III, often rewatching it with the very person who ultimately testified against him. It seems our friend Dahmer was so enamored with the film that it even made its way into the dramatization of his life. Perhaps the most absurd detail—Dahmer, eager to channel his inner villain, donned yellow contacts to mirror Gemini and Emperor Palpatine. Truly, a fashion statement for the ages!

Now let’s jump to Danny Rolling, the Gainesville Ripper himself, who believed he was under the influence of alternate personalities named "Gemini" and "Ynnad"—no points for guessing how nicely those names resonate with The Exorcist III. It’s almost like a bad 1990s sitcom premise! Rolling's crimes caught the eye of fledgling screenwriter Kevin Williamson, who would go on to create Scream. While it’s unclear if Williamson drew inspiration from the movie, the parallels are undeniably bizarre, to say the least.

Even stranger? The links between The Exorcist and true crime don’t end there. Friedkin shot one particularly harrowing scene with the staff of NYU Medical Center, including radiographer Paul Bateson, who later confessed to one murder and was suspected of many more. Friedkin, in a curious twist of fate, reflected on this discovery in his 1980 thriller Cruising. Bateson even taught journalist Arthur Bell a thing or two—Bell being the inspiration for the character in American Horror Story: NYC, where the show tackles the gritty realities of ignored gay killings. How’s that for a cultural crossover?

While it’s vital to remember that none of The Exorcist’s notorious fans can lay the blame for their heinous actions at the feet of the movie, it’s simply fascinating to trace how true crime and horror fiction continually intertwine. The tapestry of connections between the Exorcist franchise, actual murders, and classic horror totally gives us chills—both from fright and a a hint of knowing irony.