XYZ Films Announces April 2025 Release for Al Pacino and Dan Stevens Exorcism Horror ‘The Ritual’

XYZ Films has announced the U.S. theatrical release of The Ritual for Easter weekend, April 18, 2025. The exorcism horror film stars Al Pacino (The Godfather trilogy) and Dan Stevens (Abigail) and is directed by David Midell.

Ashley Greene and Abigail Cowen also feature in the cast. The film, acquired by XYZ earlier this year ahead of Cannes, has been sold in several major international markets.

The Ritual is based on true events and tells the story of two priests—one struggling with his faith (Stevens) and the other haunted by his past (Pacino)—who must work together to perform exorcisms on a possessed young woman.

The film explores the life of Emma Schmidt, an American woman whose exorcism remains one of the most documented in U.S. history.

Written by Midell and Enrico Natale, the film was produced by Andrew Stevens, Mitchell Welch, and Natale.

“David Midell’s realistic approach is chilling and unsettling, making you question how these events could have actually occurred,” said XYZ’s partners. The company recently signed Midell to its management division.

What do you think of The Ritual? Share your thoughts in the comments!