Scarlett Johansson Joins New Exorcist Film Directed by Mike Flanagan

NEW YORK, NY — Scarlett Johansson has been cast as the lead in the upcoming film from the Exorcist franchise, directed by Mike Flanagan. This announcement came on November 24, 2025, as Universal Pictures and Blumhouse hope to rejuvenate the horror series following the poor performance of 2023’s The Exorcist: Believer.

Flanagan, known for acclaimed horror films and series, wrote and will direct this new project, which he promises will take a fresh, bold approach within the Exorcist universe. The film will not be a sequel to The Exorcist: Believer, but rather an all-new story set in the same universe. Flanagan described his involvement in a press release, saying, “The Exorcist is one of the reasons I became a filmmaker, and it is an honor to have the chance to try something fresh and terrifying.”

Johansson’s casting signals a strong commitment from the studio to make this new iteration a success. Flanagan praised her talent, stating, “Scarlett is a brilliant actress whose captivating performances always feel grounded and real.”

The original Exorcist film, released in 1973 and directed by William Friedkin, earned ten Oscar nominations and has remained a benchmark in horror cinema. Subsequent films in the franchise have primarily explored the lives of characters introduced in the original. Johansson’s role in the franchise marks her first foray into the horror genre, expanding her impressive filmography.

The previous installment, The Exorcist: Believer, grossed approximately $136 million worldwide against a budget of $30 million but was met with unfavorable reviews, leading to studio concerns. The development of this new film was seen as a necessary step for the franchise.

This upcoming film is produced by Flanagan’s Red Room Pictures, with help from Jason Blum and Ryan Turek of Blumhouse. The full cast and plot details are still under wraps, but the film is set to begin shooting in New York City in 2026.