Scarlett Johansson is stepping into the Scarlett Johansson Exorcist lead role as director Mike Flanagan launches a new chapter for the legendary horror series, introducing a bold vision in the wake of the franchise’s recent challenges. Announced shortly after Johansson’s box office success in Jurassic World: Rebirth, this casting marks a notable return to horror for the acclaimed actress and signals a significant shift for the Exorcist brand.
Director Flanagan Enlists Johansson for a Radical Reimagining
Mike Flanagan, known for transforming the horror landscape with works like Midnight Mass and Doctor Sleep, has cast Scarlett Johansson in the upcoming Exorcist film, his first entry into this long-running franchise. The announcement comes after The Exorcist: Believer failed to impress both critics and audiences in 2023, prompting interest in a revitalized approach. Flanagan praised Johansson’s talent and her ability to bring authenticity to her performances, spanning everything from intense genre films to blockbuster hits.
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.
— Mike Flanagan, Director
This project represents a rare venture into horror for Johansson, whose early career included titles like Eight Legged Freaks and more recently, the unsettling Under the Skin. While Jurassic World: Rebirth contained moments of terror, with Johansson’s character facing the chaotic Distortus rex, Flanagan’s new vision is said to represent a “radical” reworking of the original Exorcist universe. Details remain tightly under wraps, but anticipation is building around how this creative team will tackle the classic subject of demonic possession.
Exploring the Legacy of ‘The Exorcist’
The original 1973 film, The Exorcist, directed by William Friedkin and written by William Peter Blatty, remains one of the most celebrated— and feared— entries in horror history. Centered on the young Regan MacNeil, possessed by the demon Pazuzu, the plot saw her mother, Chris MacNeil, and two priests—Father Merrin and Father Karras—unite in a battle against darkness. Its success at the box office and the Oscars marked it as an outlier: it was the first horror film to receive a nomination for Best Picture, and its legacy continues to loom over the genre.
Despite its permanence in popular culture, the Exorcist series has struggled to replicate the critical and popular triumph of the original. John Boorman’s 1977 sequel was quickly ridiculed, and early 2000s prequel attempts failed to reignite interest. The Exorcist III, a rare bright spot, eventually garnered a cult following under the direction and writing of Blatty himself. However, neither the efforts of respected actors like Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair nor director David Gordon Green could save more recent installments from tepid receptions, culminating in the underwhelming performance of The Exorcist: Believer.
Mike Flanagan’s Growing Influence in Modern Horror
Mike Flanagan’s rapid ascent as a respected force in film and television is notable for his consistent innovation within the horror genre. His acclaimed Netflix series—including The Haunting of Hill House and The Fall of the House of Usher—have earned him a reputation for crafting emotional, tense, and often conflicted narratives. Beyond that, he has successfully adapted multiple Stephen King works, including Gerald’s Game and Doctor Sleep, and is preparing to tackle King’s iconic Carrie as his next series adaptation.
With Scarlett Johansson assuming the Exorcist lead role, the collaboration between star and director brings renewed attention to a property defined by both its high points and missteps. Other notable figures, such as Linda Blair as Regan MacNeil and Ellen Burstyn as Chris MacNeil, will factor into fans’ comparisons as anticipation grows for this next installment.
What’s Next for the Exorcist Franchise?
The next film, driven by Flanagan’s vision and Johansson’s star power, is currently in development, as fans eagerly await further updates. No release date has been announced, but the expectation is that this fresh direction could redefine the Exorcist world for a new generation and possibly reclaim its standing in cinematic horror. With industry attention firmly fixed on this project, the Exorcist legacy stands at a crossroads—poised for revival or further reinvention depending on what comes next.
