Scarlett Johansson has signed on to star in director Mike Flanagan’s upcoming reinterpretation of The Exorcist, described as a “fresh, bold” addition to the iconic horror franchise.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Blumhouse and Universal are backing the project, following their unsuccessful attempt to reboot the saga with 2023’s The Exorcist: Believer. Flanagan, known for his acclaimed psychological horror films and series, has written the screenplay and will direct and produce the feature.
Unlike previous sequels and reboots, the new film is neither a remake nor a continuation but will instead take place within The Exorcist universe.
Flanagan expressed his excitement, saying:
“The Exorcist is one of the reasons I became a filmmaker, and it is an honour to have the chance to try something fresh, bold and terrifying within its universe.”
David Robinson, chairman and CEO of rights holder Morgan Creek, added that Flanagan’s vision is expected to “stun audiences worldwide.”
The original 1973 film, directed by William Friedkin and based on William Peter Blatty’s novel, became a landmark in horror cinema and received 10 Academy Award nominations. It centered around a young girl’s demonic possession and the priests trying to save her.
Flanagan, known for adaptations of Stephen King’s Doctor Sleep and Gerald’s Game, as well as creating popular horror series like Midnight Mass and The Haunting of Hill House, is producing via Red Room Pictures. Robinson will produce for Morgan Creek Entertainment, with Jason Blum and Ryan Turek serving as producer and executive producer for Blumhouse.
