Fox orders small-screen versions of 'The Exorcist' and 'Lethal Weapon'

LOS ANGELES, May 16 (UPI) -- Fox has confirmed it will debut small-screen adaptations of the classic movies The Exorcist and Lethal Weapon this fall.

"Widely regarded as the greatest horror movie ever made, Academy Award-nominated The Exorcist terrified audiences around the world. Now, more than four decades later, The Exorcist returns as a contemporary psychological TV thriller following two very different priests tackling one family's case of terrifying demonic possession," the network said in a press release.

Directed by Rupert Wyatt, The Exorcist series will star Alfonso Herrera, Ben Daniels and Geena Davis. The original, 1973 movie starred Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow and Linda Blair.

The Lethal Weapon action-comedy series will feature Clayne Crawford and Damon Wayans, Sr. as modern-day Los Angeles cops Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh. The characters were originated by Mel Gibson and Danny Glover in their 1987 blockbuster Lethal Weapon, which was followed by three movie sequels.

"From the moment the brash and impulsive Martin Riggs meets prudent, by-the-book Roger Murtaugh, it seems as if this partnership is doomed. But after their first case together, both realize this arrangement might just work out after all -- if only Riggs doesn't get them killed first," said a synopsis for the new incarnation.