'The Exorcist' has diverse opportunities on screen and off

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) - Fox's new series, "The Exorcist" isn't just an opportunity to tell a demonic horror story. It's also providing an opportunity for diversity in television.

One of the series' stars is Mexican actor Alfonso Herrera, who plays a priest on the show.

"I'm very, very happy to portray a Mexican ... who is not just a guy with a sombrero and a mustache," the actor told journalists Monday at a bi-annual press event for TV Critics.

The cast includes Alan Ruck, Ben Daniels and Geena Davis.

Davis, who spends much of her time advocating for a larger female presence in film and television, particularly in media aimed at children, joked that she hasn't had to "bust" the crew on anything.

"Half of our writers' room is women which is very exciting and unfortunately unusual. There are more female important characters than male in the story, also. We have two female directors of our 10, which I'm excited about."

"The Exorcist" premieres Sept. 23 on Fox.

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Online:

http://www.fox.com/the-exorcist/