December 19, 2007 New Line Cinema has taken possession of "The Rite," the true story of an American priest who studied at an exorcism school in Italy.

The project is based on the nonfiction book "The Rite: The Making of a Modern Day Exorcist," which is set for publication by Doubleday in early 2009.

The book's author, Rome-based journalist Matt Baglio, was allowed to follow a young priest during months of training with a senior exorcist at a school affiliated with the Vatican.

Although the book is not finished and Michael Petroni's screenplay won't be completed until after the Hollywood writers strike, the film is expected to include scenes of exorcisms based on the priest's experiences.



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