Scarlett Johansson is stepping into one of Hollywood’s most iconic horror universes. She will star in the next “Exorcist” movie for Universal, Blumhouse, and Atomic Monster, with Mike Flanagan set to write, direct, and produce. The film is described as a radical new approach to the franchise, which first shocked audiences over five decades ago.
Flanagan, known for “Doctor Sleep” and “The Life of Chuck,” said he is thrilled to bring Johansson into the fold. He praised her grounded style and the weight she brings to every performance, whether leading a blockbuster or a genre film. The partnership marks a notable move for both, as Johansson shifts into darker territory and Flanagan takes on one of horror’s most famous properties.
Universal’s commitment to the franchise is significant. In 2021, the studio reportedly paid $400 million for rights to develop a new “Exorcist” trilogy. The first installment, 2023’s “The Exorcist: Believer,” brought back Ellen Burstyn but failed to launch a new series, earning $136 million worldwide. Instead of following up with a direct sequel, the studio is resetting with a fresh entry rooted in the same universe as the 1973 classic but not tied to “Believer.”
Plot details for the upcoming film are under wraps, and no other cast members have been announced. Production is set to begin in New York City. The movie will take place in the timeline of the original film, directed by William Friedkin, which told the story of a mother fighting to save her demonically possessed daughter through the help of two priests. That film became a cultural event, earning 10 Oscar nominations and $441 million at the global box office, a massive figure for its time.
Johansson joins the new “Exorcist” after a strong year with Universal. She recently headlined “Jurassic World Rebirth,” a revival of the dinosaur franchise that earned $868 million worldwide. She also made her directorial debut with “Eleanor the Great,” a feel-good dramedy led by June Squibb. With multiple Oscar nominations and a wide range of performances in action, drama, and comedy, Johansson brings strong star power to the reinvention of a legacy horror series.
For Universal and Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, the project represents another attempt to reframe a landmark piece of horror history for modern audiences. With Johansson in the lead and Flanagan at the helm, the studio aims to give “The Exorcist” universe a new voice while honoring the film that started it all.