Director Friedkin deleted this scene just prior to the December 26,1973 premiere because it was considered that the spider-walk scene appeared too early in the film's plot and removed it despite screenplay writer William Peter Blatty's request that the scene remain.
Director Friedkin deleted this scene just prior to the December 26,1973 premiere because it was technically ineffective due to the visible wires suspending Miles in a backward-arched position as she descends the stairs. Additionally, Friedkin considered that the spider-walk scene appeared too early in the film's plot and removed it despite screenplay writer William Peter Blatty's request that the scene remain.