Scarlett Johansson is set to star in Mike Flanagan’s radical reimagining of The Exorcist, slated for release on March 12, 2027, marking a major pivot for the horror franchise under Blumhouse and Universal.
Quick Facts
- Scarlett Johansson leads the cast in the title role of the new Exorcist film
- Mike Flanagan writes and directs the project, described as a “radical new take” on the classic
- The film is set to hit theaters on March 12, 2027
- The ensemble cast includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, and John Leguizamo
Flanagan, known for his work on The Haunting of Hill House and the Stephen King adaptation Doctor Sleep, has brought together a seasoned cast to reimagine the iconic horror property. The project is being produced by Blumhouse, Atomic Monster, and Morgan Creek, departing from the recent David Gordon Green trilogy.
Unlike a direct sequel or remake, the new Exorcist exists as a standalone story set within The Exorcist universe. According to reports from set filming, Johansson plays a law enforcement officer investigating a case involving supernatural darkness, while Ejiofor appears as a priest. Filming began in early 2026 and has been underway in locations including New York City.
Scarlett Johansson set to star in Mike Flanagan’s radical Exorcist reimagining
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Flanagan’s Horror Pedigree
Flanagan has established himself as a master of horror through his work on Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, and Midnight Mass. His film Doctor Sleep, a Stephen King adaptation released in 2019, cemented his reputation for bringing literary horror to the screen with psychological depth and visual sophistication.
The director has cultivated a roster of recurring collaborators—often called the “Flanaverse”—including actors like Carla Gugino, Rahul Kohli, and Samantha Sloyan, several of whom appear in the new Exorcist project. This ensemble approach has become a hallmark of Flanagan’s filmmaking style.
Sources
- Deadline — confirmed the “radical redo” description and March 12, 2027 release date
- Variety — reported the release date and cast including Johansson and Jacobi Jupe
- SYFY — documented on-set filming in New York with Johansson and Ejiofor
- Wikipedia — confirmed Flanagan’s background directing The Haunting of Hill House and Doctor Sleep
- The Hollywood Reporter — covered the project’s development and cast announcements
