Scarlett Johansson to star in new Exorcist film

Scarlett Johansson is set to star in a new Exorcist film directed by acclaimed horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan. The project, announced by Universal Pictures and Blumhouse in collaboration with Morgan Creek, is being positioned as a fresh, original entry rather than a remake or continuation of recent instalments. Released in 1973 and directed by William Friedkin, the original Exorcist went on to become a cult classic.

For Johansson, this will be her first full-scale horror lead. Flanagan, celebrated for The Haunting of Hill House, Doctor Sleep and Midnight Mass, will write, direct and produce through his Red Room Pictures banner. Speaking to Deadline, he expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, saying: “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.”

The filmmaker also emphasised in his interviews that his take is neither a sequel nor a remake, describing it as a “bold reimagining of the franchise”. He has previously said he was drawn to the project because he believed he had “something exciting, fresh, and terrifying to bring to the table” and wanted to avoid simply retracing familiar ground.

While an initial release date of March 2026 was floated, Flanagan has since indicated that the film has not yet begun production. “Cannot wait to work Scarlett on this. She is going to be amazing,” Flanagan posted on his BlueSky microblogging social media account.