Filming for Scarlett Johansson The Exorcist is set to begin very shortly, according to one of the lead actors. Jacobi Jupe, who stars alongside Johansson, confirmed that principal photography will start as early as next week, signaling that the project is advancing as planned. This marks a significant update following director Mike Flanagan’s previous indication about the production timeline.
Actor Jacobi Jupe Details Upcoming Filming Schedule
At the SAG-AFTRA Actors’ Awards, Jacobi Jupe expressed eagerness about joining the cast, revealing that filming would commence “very, very soon.” Jupe, known for his role in Hamnet, mentioned his excitement about working with Johansson, a performer he admires from her Marvel films, although they have not yet met. When asked about aspirations for joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Jupe noted that it would depend on the nature of the role.
“Hamnet” star Jacobi Jupe says he stars shooting #TheExorcist with Scarlett Johansson “very, very soon” #ActorAwards pic.twitter.com/hoWWw24tQM
Alongside Johansson and Jupe, the cast includes Laurence Fishburne, Diane Lane, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, rounding out a strong ensemble for this new take on the classic horror saga.
Shifted Release Date and Director’s Vision for a Fresh Story
The original release date was set for March 13, 2026, but it has now been pushed back to March 12, 2027. Mike Flanagan shared in a Tumblr post in June 2025 that filming was delayed until he finished his work on Prime Video’s Carrie, assuring fans that the delay was not cause for concern. Universal Pictures refers to this iteration as a “radical redo,” emphasizing that the film will present a storyline independent from prior installments, including The Exorcist: Believer.
Flanagan conveyed to The Hollywood Reporter that he pursued the project with great determination, aiming to deliver a fresh perspective to the franchise. He sees the opportunity as unique within the series, balancing respect for previous films without relying on nostalgia. The director stated,
This is an opportunity to do something that I believe has never been done within the franchise — something that honors what came before it but isn’t built on nostalgia,
“I really just saw an opportunity to make the scariest movie I’ve ever made. I know expectations are high. No one’s more intimidated than I am.”
Production Team and Partnerships Behind the Film
The project is co-produced by Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, Morgan Creek Entertainment, and Red Room Pictures. Producers include David Robinson, Jason Blum, and Mike Flanagan himself, while Alexandra Magistro and Ryan Turek act as executive producers. With such a strong lineup of producers and a dedicated cast, the film aims to redefine the horror experience tied to The Exorcist name.
What to Expect Next in the Franchise
With principal photography set to start imminently, expectations are mounting for Scarlett Johansson The Exorcist to deliver a novel horror experience when it premieres in March 2027. The fresh narrative direction and Flanagan’s intense vision suggest the film will make a significant mark in revitalizing the franchise. Fans and industry watchers alike are anticipating how this reimagining will influence future installments and the horror genre overall.
“Hamnet” star Jacobi Jupe says he stars shooting #TheExorcist with Scarlett Johansson “very, very soon” #ActorAwards pic.twitter.com/hoWWw24tQM
— Variety (@Variety) March 1, 2026
