Scarlett Johansson has been selected as the lead in the next installment of The Exorcist series, marking a significant move for the franchise and generating buzz around the Scarlett Johansson Exorcist movie lead. The announcement was made as production gears up for the film’s shoot in New York City, promising a fresh direction for the long-running horror saga.
Johansson Heads Cast in New Exorcist Chapter
The Exorcist franchise, which began with the 1973 Academy Award-winning film featuring Ellen Burstyn, is introducing Scarlett Johansson as its star for the latest entry. The upcoming movie, still without an official title, will be the seventh film in the horror series and is directed and written by Mike Flanagan, known for his distinctive work in the genre. Flanagan shared his enthusiasm for Johansson’s involvement, emphasizing her stature and commitment to authentic performances:
“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, film’s writer and director.
A New Story in The Exorcist Universe
Unlike previous entries, this forthcoming installment is positioned as a stand-alone narrative, distancing itself from direct sequels. The production team publicly clarified that it will
“tell an all-new story set in The Exorcist universe and is not a sequel to 2023’s The Exorcist: Believer.”
This new approach signals a shift away from the previous trilogy plans and aims to revitalize the mythos with original storytelling.
Background of the Franchise and Recent Developments
Studios Universal and Blumhouse, along with streaming service Peacock, have invested heavily in expanding The Exorcist property. Following their joint acquisition of rights for over $400 million in 2021, expectations were high. However, the 2023 release of The Exorcist: Believer fell short of critical and financial benchmarks, despite earning around $137 million on a $30 million budget. In contrast, the similarly timed horror film Five Nights at Freddy’s, also from Blumhouse, reached $291 million worldwide.
Disappointment with Believer’s reception led director David Gordon Green to step away from the project, and Universal ultimately withdrew the planned trilogy from its release schedule. The shift in creative leadership and scrapping of the planned installments paved the way for Mike Flanagan to helm this new film, which charts a completely original direction for the franchise.
Mike Flanagan’s Distinct Horror Vision
Mike Flanagan is highly regarded within the horror community for his acclaimed works such as The Haunting of Hill House and streaming films like Gerald’s Game. While Flanagan’s theatrical releases have seen varied commercial outcomes—Ouija: Origin of Evil proved a hit with $81 million on a modest budget, while Doctor Sleep underwhelmed with $72 million against $45 million spent—his reputation for atmospheric and character-driven storytelling remains strong. He recently described his upcoming Exorcist project as
“the scariest movie I’ve ever made.”
Impact of Scarlett Johansson’s Casting
Scarlett Johansson’s involvement is anticipated to boost the film’s profile significantly. Earlier this year, Johansson was credited with helping to rejuvenate the Jurassic Park series through her performance in Jurassic World Rebirth. The film enjoyed an impressive $318 million opening weekend and eventually exceeded $868 million worldwide, reinforcing Johansson’s box office appeal and drawing further attention to her role in this new Exorcist venture.
What This Means for the Franchise
The combination of Johansson’s star power and Flanagan’s reputation for innovative horror offers fresh hope for the franchise. As production begins in New York City, industry observers are closely watching how this collaboration will shape the future of The Exorcist universe. The new film’s departure from established continuity and focus on original storytelling could reignite interest and redefine expectations for the series’ long-term direction.
