Scarlett Johansson Set to Star in New Exorcist Film

Scarlett Johansson will play the lead role in a new Exorcist film from horror aficionado Mike Flanagan.

After Blumhouse and Universal's disastrous attempted reboot/sequel in 2023, The Exorcist: Believer, they abandoned David Gordon Green's trilogy and turned to film maker MIke Flanagan (as we reported back in May last year). David Robinson, chairman and CEO of Exorcist rights holder Morgan Creek, previously said, “I think his vision for this franchise is going to stun audiences worldwide.”

The visionary film maker behind such hits as Midnight Mass, Gerald's Game, The Haunting of Hill House & Hush is both writing and directing the film. The upcoming film is reportedly not a sequel, reboot or remake, but will be set within 'The Exorcist Universe' (whatever that means).

“The Exorcist is one of the reasons I became a filmmaker, and it is an honor to have the chance to try something fresh, bold, and terrifying within its universe. Reuniting with my friends at Blumhouse, with whom I’ve made some of my favorite pieces of work, only makes this more exciting. This is an opportunity to do something that I believe has never been done within the franchise — something that honors what came before it but isn’t built on nostalgia. I really just saw an opportunity to make the scariest movie I’ve ever made. I know expectations are high. No one’s more intimidated than I am.” - Flanagan (May 2024)

Scarlett Johansson Set to Star in New Exorcist Film From Mike Flanagan

Scarlett Johansson has been cast to lead the film, which will mark only her second role in a horror film to date after 2014's Under The Skin.

“Scarlett is a brilliant actress whose captivating performances always feel grounded and real, from genre films to summer blockbusters, and I couldn’t be happier to have her join this Exorcist film.” - Mike Flanagan.

The film was originally slated for March 13th, 2026, however it was delayed due to Flanagan's commitment to his new adaptation of Stephen King's Carrie for Amazon Prime Video. Now that the series has wrapped, Falangan is currently gearing up to shoot this project in New York City.

Alexandra Magistro will executive produce for Red Room Pictures. David Robinson produces for Morgan Creek Entertainment. Jason Blum and Ryan Turek serve as producer and executive producer for Blumhouse-Atomic Monster. Flanagan is also producing via his Red Room Pictures banner alongside Blumhouse-Atomic Monster and Morgan Creek Entertainment.