Scarlett Johansson is set to headline the upcoming installment in the Exorcist series, directed and written by Mike Flanagan, with production scheduled to begin in New York City. The choice of Johansson as the lead marks a significant development for the franchise, which has seen several notable names and directors over the past five decades. The Scarlett Johansson Exorcist movie is confirmed to be a fresh story within the universe, not tied to last year’s sequel, The Exorcist: Believer.
Director’s Vision and Comments on Casting
Mike Flanagan, known for his distinctive work in the horror genre, shared his excitement about working with Johansson in a press release, where he stated,
“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,”
said Mike Flanagan, Writer and Director. Flanagan, who has built a reputation through acclaimed projects like The Haunting of Hill House, underscored his ambition to push the limits of fear in the new film, describing it as
“the scariest movie I’ve ever made,”
said Mike Flanagan, Writer and Director.
A New Chapter for the Exorcist Franchise
This latest project will be the seventh installment in the Exorcist film series, with each entry to date directed by a different filmmaker since the original was released in 1973 starring Ellen Burstyn. Universal Pictures and Blumhouse, the studios backing the film, have highlighted that the story will be completely original within the Exorcist universe and clarified it is not a continuation of 2023’s The Exorcist: Believer. As stated in the press release, the movie
“will tell an all-new story set in The Exorcist universe and is not a sequel to 2023’s The Exorcist: Believer,”
said Universal Pictures.
Box Office Expectations and Previous Franchise Performance
Universal and its streaming partner Peacock had committed $400 million in 2021 to develop three new Exorcist movies, following Believer’s box office results. While Believer grossed $137 million globally on a $30 million budget, the reception was largely negative and did not match the commercial expectations set by other Blumhouse films, such as Five Nights at Freddy’s, which achieved $291 million globally. Due to criticism and underperformance, David Gordon Green—originally set to direct the next part—departed, leading Universal to remove the planned sequel from its release schedule and ultimately abandon the trilogy concept.
Mike Flanagan’s Track Record and the Cast’s Potential Impact
Flanagan’s career is defined by strong critical acclaim but a mixed box office record. Most of his celebrated titles, including The Haunting of Hill House and Gerald’s Game, reached audiences through television or streaming platforms. His theatrical releases have varied: Ouija: Origin of Evil succeeded with $81 million on a $9 million budget, while Doctor Sleep fell short, earning $72 million against a $45 million cost. The addition of Scarlett Johansson, who recently helped relaunch the Jurassic Park franchise to box office triumph with Jurassic World Rebirth—amassing a global opening of $318 million and a total gross of $868 million—brings proven star power to the production.
What Lies Ahead for the Franchise
The Exorcist’s return, under Flanagan’s direction and with Johansson in the lead, signals a new creative chapter for the long-running horror series. With its shift away from the previous trilogy plan and focus on an entirely original narrative, Universal Pictures and Blumhouse are betting on a revitalized vision for the brand. Fans of both Johansson and Flanagan, as well as followers of the iconic franchise, will be watching closely as more details emerge and filming gets underway in New York City.
