Thescreescore – Scarlett Johansson is poised to confront pure evil, joining Mike Flanagan’s highly anticipated reboot of The Exorcist franchise. This marks a significant shift for the actress, stepping into the horror genre in a substantial role for the first time. The project represents a fresh start for the series after the critical and commercial failure of The Exorcist: Believer (2023), prompting Blumhouse and Morgan Creek Entertainment to abandon their initial trilogy plans with David Gordon Green.
Flanagan, celebrated for his nuanced and terrifying horror sensibilities seen in The Haunting of Hill House and Doctor Sleep, signed on to write, direct, and produce the new Exorcist installment in June 2024. While an initial March 2026 release was targeted, the project faced delays, partially due to Flanagan’s commitment to adapting Stephen King’s Carrie into a series. However, the director has consistently reassured fans of his dedication to the Exorcist reboot, with Blumhouse teasing his vision as a "radical new" interpretation of the classic tale.
Universal Pictures’ announcement of Johansson’s casting signals significant momentum for the project. Sources indicate that Blumhouse and Morgan Creek actively pursued A-list talent for the lead role, with Johansson emerging as a prime candidate following her success in the Jurassic World franchise. Scheduling conflicts between Flanagan and Johansson were reportedly navigated to secure her involvement, suggesting that The Exorcist reboot is likely to be their next collaborative endeavor.
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Flanagan expressed his enthusiasm for Johansson’s casting, stating, "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."
Johansson’s foray into the horror genre is a welcome surprise, considering her limited experience with the genre. Her previous brush with horror was in the 2003 film Eight Legged Freaks, a comedic take on monster movies.
This casting announcement also provides the first substantial update on Flanagan’s Exorcist reboot in months. Flanagan recently completed production on Carrie and revealed that he was immersed in editing episode 5 of the King adaptation.
The crucial question now is: when will Flanagan’s The Exorcist grace theaters? An accelerated production schedule could potentially align with the 55th anniversary of William Peter Blatty’s novel, which launched the franchise. However, given Flanagan’s meticulous approach and the studio’s desire for a resounding success after Believer‘s disappointment, a 2028 release seems more plausible.
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