3 Minutes
What’s new
Scarlett Johansson has officially signed on to star in the next installment of The Exorcist, directed and produced by Mike Flanagan. Universal Pictures and Blumhouse made the announcement, confirming that Flanagan—known for his work on Doctor Sleep, The Haunting of Hill House, and Midnight Mass—will take a distinctly modern approach to this iconic horror franchise.
Where this sits in the franchise
The new movie is set in the same narrative world as the original 1973 The Exorcist, but it is not a direct continuation of last year’s The Exorcist: Believer. David Gordon Green stepped away from the follow-up after Believer underperformed with audiences, and Flanagan was brought in to give the series a fresh creative voice. Universal and Blumhouse retain the rights after buying the Exorcist catalogue from Morgan Creek in 2021 for $400 million.
Flanagan has described the project as a "fresh take"—a promising note for fans who expect psychological tension over jump-scare repetition. Scarlett Johansson’s casting brings major star power and range; she’s best known for dramatic versatility, and her presence signals that this film may lean into character-driven horror rather than pure shock.
Production notes and context
Filming will take place in New York, although plot details and the rest of the cast remain under wraps. The choice of New York could mean a grittier, urban reimagining of demonic possession stories—different in tone from earlier, more claustrophobic entries.
This move also fits a broader industry trend: studios are mining legacy franchises for prestige-driven reboots that combine name recognition with auteur-driven visions. Blumhouse’s low-to-mid budget horror model and Flanagan’s reputation for layered storytelling make this collaboration one to watch.
Trivia and fan reaction: social media has been buzzing with excitement and speculation since the announcement. Some fans compare Flanagan’s likely psychological slant to his work on Doctor Sleep, while others hope Johansson will bring a new emotional center to the mythology.
Closing thought: With Johansson onboard and Flanagan at the helm, The Exorcist’s next chapter aims to balance reverence for the original with a contemporary, character-focused sensibility—an approach that could re-energize the franchise if it leans into mood, method, and atmosphere over gimmicks.
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