Scarlett Johansson has signed on to lead the next film in the legendary Exorcist franchise. Universal, Blumhouse and Atomic Monster will produce the movie. Mike Flanagan will write, direct and produce it. He is known for Doctor Sleep and the upcoming The Life of Chuck.

A New Direction for the Franchise

The makers describe the film as a “radical new take" on the Exorcist universe. It will expand the story world but will not follow the events of The Exorcist: Believer (2023). The new project will exist in the same continuity as William Friedkin’s 1973 classic, yet it will introduce new characters and a fresh storyline.

The 1973 original, featuring Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair, changed horror filmmaking forever. It earned $441 million worldwide and received ten Oscar nominations. It set a benchmark for supernatural horror.

Universal Resets After ‘Believer’ Struggles

Universal paid $400 million in 2021 to secure rights for a new Exorcist trilogy. But the first film in the planned series, The Exorcist: Believer, failed to ignite strong interest. It made $136 million globally, but the studio wanted a more powerful revival.

As a result, the upcoming installment will not act as a sequel to Believer. It will not bring back old characters either. Instead, Mike Flanagan will craft a fresh story that stays loyal to the psychological horror tone of the original. The team has not revealed plot details yet. They will film in New York City. More cast updates will follow.

Johansson’s Strong Year Continues

Scarlett Johansson joins the film after delivering a major box-office win for Universal. Jurassic World Rebirth earned $868 million worldwide earlier this year. She is also a two-time Oscar nominee for Marriage Story and Jojo Rabbit.

She made her directorial debut in 2024 with Eleanor the Great, a coming-of-age film starring June Squibb.