Ken Russell’s ‘The Devils’ Sneak Preview Screenings Sell Out Nationwide | Exclusive

The 1971 film "The Devils," directed by Ken Russell, is making a triumphant return with nationwide 35mm sneak preview screenings taking place in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Austin, Chicago, Portland, Nashville and Boston. These previews are already sold out, indicating the enduring appeal of this controversial, largely banned film.

The screenings will continue into its theatrical re-release in October, expanding to more than 85 domestic markets. Distributed by Clockwork, a Warner Bros. imprint focused on artier content, the film boasts an NC-17 rating and is presented in its remastered, definitive form. Starring Oliver Reed, Dudley Sutton, Max Adrian and Vanessa Redgrave, "The Devils" draws inspiration from Aldous Huxley's "The Devils of Loudun" and John Whiting's 1960 play of the same name, delving into the life of a 17th-century priest accused of witchcraft.

The film's bold sexual content and frank violence have always sparked controversy, leading to heavy editing and censorship, which made it largely inaccessible for years. However, its trailer generated a staggering 16 million views online with zero paid media, driven largely by Gen Z cinephiles eager to witness this resurrected classic.

The film premiered earlier this summer at the Cannes Film Festival, and tickets for the one-week-only theatrical engagement will become available on September 16.