CBS Films announced today that it has acquired the U.S. distribution rights to The Last Exorcism Part II from Studiocanal. Directed by Ed Gass-Donnelly from a screenplay by Gass-Donnelly and Damien Chazelle, The Last Exorcism Part II is the sequel to the critically-acclaimed 2010 hit The Last Exorcism which surpassed all expectations by grossing more than $20 million its opening weekend. Eli Roth produced the film along with Marc Abraham, Thomas A. Bliss and Eric Newman of Strike Entertainment. Patty Long and Gabrielle Neimand served as executive producers.

the Last Exorcism Part II: The Second to the Last Exorcism Photo

Continuing where the first film left off, Nell Sweetzer (Ashley Bell) is found alone and terrified in the woods. Back in the relative safety of civilization, Nell realizes that she can't remember entire portions of the previous months only that she is the last surviving member of her family. Just as Nell begins the difficult process of starting a new life, the evil force that once possessed her is back with other, unimaginably horrific plans that mean her last exorcism was just the beginning.

CBS Films Executive Vice President of Acquisitions & Co-Productions Scott Shooman negotiated the deal with Studiocanal Executive Vice President of International Distribution Harold van Lier. Studiocanal fully financed the film and will handle its release in the UK, France and Germany. Here's what Harold van Lier had to say about the news.

"Heading into AFM we knew that the creative team behind The Last Exorcism Part II had delivered a bigger, scarier sequel. CBS Films came to the table with a clear vision for the film's release and we feel that we've found the perfect partner to take this franchise to the next level."

CBS Films will release The Last Exorcism Part II wide on March 1, 2013.