Academy Award-nominated actress Scarlett Johansson has been officially cast in a groundbreaking new instalment of The Exorcist franchise, signalling a dramatic new direction for the iconic horror series.
A Fresh Vision for an Iconic Franchise
The 41-year-old screen star will headline the upcoming production from horror specialists Blumhouse and Universal Pictures, with acclaimed director Mike Flanagan at the helm. According to industry publication The Hollywood Reporter, this new interpretation promises to deliver a 'fresh, bold' update to the 1973 classic that revolutionised cinematic horror.
This announcement arrives following the underwhelming performance of the most recent series entry, The Exorcist: Believer, which failed to meet box office expectations after its 2023 release. The studio's decision to pivot towards Flanagan's vision represents a significant creative shift for the franchise.
Flanagan's Passion Project
Flanagan, who is both writing and directing the project, described The Exorcist as 'one of the reasons I became a filmmaker' in a May 2024 press release obtained by Deadline. He expressed his honour at having 'the chance to try something fresh, bold and terrifying within its universe.'
Notably, the new film is described as neither a straightforward remake nor a direct sequel, but rather an original story set within the same cinematic universe. This approach mirrors successful franchise revitalisations seen elsewhere in Hollywood while allowing for creative innovation.
The director brings impressive horror credentials to the project, having established himself as one of the genre's most respected voices through films including Hush, Gerald's Game, and Doctor Sleep, along with critically acclaimed Netflix series such as The Haunting of Hill House and The Fall of the House of Usher.
Franchise Evolution and Commercial Context
Universal Pictures had initially committed heavily to the franchise, announcing in July 2021 that it had invested $400 million in a new Exorcist trilogy. The first instalment of this planned trilogy, The Exorcist: Believer, achieved modest success with $136.2 million worldwide from a reported $30 million budget, but its poor critical reception prompted a strategic rethink.
Director David Gordon Green and his writing team, who had been developing sequels, have now been replaced by Flanagan's fresh creative vision. The change demonstrates the studio's commitment to course-correcting the franchise's direction following audience feedback.
Flanagan will produce through his Red Room Pictures alongside Intrepid Pictures' Trevor Macy and John Scherer. This marks a reunion with producer Jason Blum's Blumhouse, with whom Flanagan previously collaborated on Oculus, Hush, and Ouija: Origins of Evil.
Blum expressed enthusiasm for the new direction, stating: 'Mike's voice and vision are indispensable for horror fans, and we are excited to welcome him back to Blumhouse. I immediately responded to Mike's new take on the world of The Exorcist and can't wait for audiences to experience it.'
David Robinson, chairman and CEO of rights holder Morgan Creek, added: 'It's an honour to be working with Mike. I think his vision for this franchise is going to stun audiences worldwide.'
This high-profile casting of Scarlett Johansson, combined with Flanagan's established horror pedigree, suggests Universal is positioning this new Exorcist film as a premium horror event that could redefine the franchise for contemporary audiences while honouring its terrifying legacy.
