The Simpsons is heading into its 29th season, which means that we're going to be treated to another installment of their annual Treehouse of Horror Halloween specials. They typically have a surprise or two in store for fans, but this year they may have really outdone themselves. Director William Friedkin, who directed The Exorcist, easily one of the most iconic horror movies ever made, is going to appear on this year's Treehouse of Horror Halloween special.

According to TVLine, William Friedkin, who in addition to directing The Exorcist won an Oscar for his work on The French Connection, is set to lend his voice for a segment titled MMM...Homer. William Friedkin will play a character named Dr. Kenneth Humphries, but it isn't yet clear how he is going to factor into the segment. The plot is said to focus on Homer, who begins cannibalizing himself after he runs out of food while Marge and the kids are gone.

Interestingly enough, Treehouse of Horror XXVIII is also set to feature a segment titled Exor-Sis. As far as we know, William Friedkin will not feature in that segment, which is most definitely going to be some sort of parody of The Exorcist. Instead, it will be Ben Daniels, who plays Father Marcus on Fox's The Exorcist TV show, voicing a priest in that segment. In any case, having the man who directed one of the greatest horror movies in the history of cinema on what has become one of the most beloved Halloween traditions on TV feels like a great move.

Since Fox has had luck with The Exorcist TV series, that probably has something to do with why now is the time they finally decided to tackle a parody of the movie. Over the years, The Simpsons have spoofed many other famous horror franchises, such as A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Shining and Poltergeist. In more recent years, they've decided to venture outside of horror and tackle movies like A Clockwork Orange and Back to the Future. And then there's been stuff that falls in the middle, like their take on The Island of Dr. Moreau.

Treehouse of Horror started during The Simpsons season 2 and has been a staple of the beloved animated series ever since. Some of the show's best episodes and most memorable bits have come from these Halloween episodes and, even in the lesser seasons, Treehouse of Horror usually delivers. Fox has already renewed The Simpsons for what will be its 30th season next year, but there is no guarantee it will go beyond that. So we may only have a couple more of these to look forward to. With a master like William Friedkin along for the ride this year, we should expect something great. The Simpsons upcoming Treehouse of Horror XXVIII is set to air on Fox on Sunday, October 22.