Scarlett Johansson to Star in New Exorcist Movie: Mike Flanagan Directs for Universal and Blumhouse

Hollywood’s highest-grossing actor, Scarlett Johansson, is trading dinosaurs for demons. Fresh off her record-breaking success with Jurassic World: Rebirth, which propelled her career box office total to $14.8 billion globally, the two-time Oscar nominee has officially signed on to star in the next installment of The Exorcist franchise for Universal Pictures and Blumhouse-Atomic Monster.

The announcement, made on November 24, 2025, marks a significant turning point for both Johansson and the iconic horror franchise. This will be her first legitimate horror film in an extraordinarily successful career spanning three decades, and it represents Universal and Blumhouse’s most serious attempt yet to revitalize a property they acquired for a staggering $400 million back in July 2021.

Mike Flanagan’s Vision: The Horror Master Takes Command

The new Exorcist movie will be written, directed, and produced by Mike Flanagan, widely regarded as one of modern horror’s most visionary filmmakers. Flanagan, whose acclaimed works include Doctor Sleep, Gerald’s Game, The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass, and The Fall of the House of Usher, brings impeccable credentials to the project.

Speaking about his new star, Flanagan expressed enthusiasm that resonates throughout Hollywood: “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.”

Flanagan’s involvement represents a complete reset from the previous direction. He has described this project as “a radical new take” on the franchise and “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.”

Most ambitiously, Flanagan has promised this will be “the scariest movie I’ve ever made.” Considering his track record with terrifying audiences through films like Hush, Ouija: Origin of Evil, and Gerald’s Game, this statement carries considerable weight.

Why This Casting Is Perfect: Johansson’s Box Office Power Meets Horror

Scarlett Johansson’s involvement signals that Universal and Blumhouse are approaching this reboot with maximum seriousness. After the critical and commercial disappointment of 2023’s The Exorcist: Believer, which grossed only $65.5 million domestically and $136.2 million worldwide against that $400 million franchise investment, the studio needed a game-changer.

Johansson recently proved her franchise resurrection capabilities with Jurassic World: Rebirth, which generated $868 million worldwide and helped establish her as Hollywood’s highest-grossing lead actor with $14.8 billion in career box office receipts. That performance surpassed fellow Marvel Cinematic Universe veterans Samuel L. Jackson ($14.6 billion) and Robert Downey Jr. ($14.3 billion).

Insiders tell Deadline that scheduling had to be worked out with a couple of upcoming projects, but this Exorcist film will likely be next on Johansson’s docket to shoot. The project gives the actress her first legitimate horror film in her long and successful career—a notable gap considering her versatility across genres from intimate dramas (Marriage Story, Lost in Translation) to science fiction blockbusters (Lucy, Ghost in the Shell, Under the Skin).

The $400 Million Question: What Went Wrong with Believer?

To understand the urgency behind this casting announcement, one must examine the franchise’s recent struggles. In July 2021, NBCUniversal, Peacock, and Blumhouse purchased the rights to The Exorcist from Morgan Creek Entertainment for $400 million—reportedly the most ever paid for a horror franchise. The deal included production budgets for three feature films, producer fees, talent buyouts, rights backends, and the ability to leverage the IP across Universal’s portfolio, including theme parks, Halloween Horror Nights experiences, and Peacock streaming.

The Exorcist: Believer, released in October 2023 and directed by David Gordon Green, was intended to launch a new trilogy. Instead, it became a cautionary tale about franchise revival in the modern era.

The Believer Breakdown:

• Opening Weekend: $26.5 million domestic (below $30-36 million projections)
• Total Domestic: $65.5 million
• Total Worldwide: $136.2 million
• Production Budget: $30 million
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 23% critics, 40% audience
• CinemaScore: C (unusually low even for horror)

While the relatively modest $30 million production budget meant Believer itself wasn’t a complete financial disaster, the film’s poor performance cast serious doubt on whether Universal could justify the massive $400 million investment. The movie failed to generate the cultural momentum that Green’s 2018 Halloween reboot achieved (that film opened to $76.2 million and launched a successful trilogy).

Following Believer‘s underwhelming reception, Green withdrew from the planned sequels. Universal spent months meeting with top-tier talent before landing on Flanagan as the perfect director to salvage—and radically reimagine—the franchise’s future.

A Fresh Start: Not a Sequel, Not a Remake

Crucially, Flanagan’s Exorcist film will not be a sequel to The Exorcist: Believer. Instead, it will tell “an all-new story set in The Exorcist universe,” according to official announcements. This approach gives Flanagan creative freedom while honoring the legacy of William Friedkin’s 1973 masterpiece, which remains one of the greatest horror films ever made.

The original Exorcist, based on William Peter Blatty’s novel, focused on the demonic possession of a young girl and the priests who attempt to save her. Directed by Friedkin and starring Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair, the film was a cultural phenomenon that earned $441 million globally (nearly $2 billion adjusted for inflation) and received 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.

Various sequels over the decades focused on the grown-up possessed girl, backstories of the priests, or other demonic cases investigated by detectives from the first film. None achieved the critical or commercial success of the original, though The Exorcist III (1990) has maintained a cult following.

Flanagan’s approach promises to break this pattern. Rather than retreading familiar ground or relying on nostalgia, he aims to explore new territory within the established universe. “I’ve always felt that there’s no point in going into a franchise or into a property that monolithic unless there’s something new you can bring,” Flanagan explained in September 2024. “I chased The Exorcist very aggressively because I was convinced I had something that I could add.”

The Production Team: Horror Royalty Assembled

The new Exorcist film boasts a production team that reads like a who’s who of modern horror excellence:

Director/Writer/Producer: Mike Flanagan (via Red Room Pictures) Lead Star: Scarlett Johansson Producer: Jason Blum (Blumhouse-Atomic Monster) Producer: David Robinson (Morgan Creek Entertainment) Producer: Trevor Macy (Intrepid Pictures) Executive Producers: Ryan Turek (Blumhouse-Atomic Monster), Alexandra Magistro (Red Room Pictures)

Jason Blum, founder and CEO of Blumhouse Productions, expressed confidence in the new direction: “Mike’s voice and vision are indispensable for horror fans, and we are excited to welcome him back to Blumhouse. I immediately responded to Mike’s new take on the world of The Exorcist and can’t wait for audiences to experience it.”

Flanagan and Blumhouse have a successful collaborative history. The director previously worked with the production company as writer and director on Oculus (2013), Hush (2016), and Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)—the latter transforming a sequel to a critically panned film into a genuinely scary and well-received horror experience.

David Robinson, Chairman and CEO of Morgan Creek Entertainment, added: “It’s an honor to be working with Mike. I think his vision for this franchise is going to stun audiences worldwide, and I could not be more excited to be working with him, Trevor, Jason and the entire Blumhouse Team.”

Production Timeline and Release Expectations

While the original release date of March 13, 2026 (Friday the 13th) was announced in June 2024, production updates suggest that timeline may shift. Flanagan confirmed on Tumblr in June 2025 that the film hadn’t entered production yet, as he was completing work on his Amazon Prime Video adaptation of Stephen King’s Carrie.

However, Flanagan assured fans there’s “nothing to worry about” regarding the project’s status. With Johansson now officially attached and scheduling worked out, the film appears positioned to shoot in the near future, with filming set to take place in New York City according to Variety.

The delay actually works in the production’s favor. It allows Flanagan time to perfect the screenplay and gives the team breathing room after Believer‘s rushed development. Horror fans would rather wait for a truly terrifying, well-crafted film than receive another hastily assembled sequel.

What to Expect: Flanagan’s Unique Horror Approach

Those familiar with Flanagan’s work know he brings a distinctive sensibility to horror that combines genuine scares with emotional depth and thematic complexity. His films and series often explore themes of addiction, recovery, grief, trauma, and empathy—heavy subjects that ground supernatural terror in human experience.

In Doctor Sleep, Flanagan’s sequel to The Shining, he balanced reverence for Stanley Kubrick’s iconic film with Stephen King’s original vision, creating something that honored both while standing as its own work. That same balancing act—respecting legacy while forging new ground—will likely define his Exorcist approach.

Flanagan has described his Exorcist film as “unique” and “surprisingly timely,” suggesting it will address contemporary themes while delivering classic demonic possession scares. He has also emphasized that expectations are high and acknowledged, “No one’s more intimidated than I am.”

Flanagan’s Horror Trademarks:

• Atmospheric dread over cheap jump scares
• Complex, fully realized characters
• Emotional investment alongside terror
• Exploration of trauma and loss
• Meticulous attention to visual storytelling
• Strong performances drawing on actors’ dramatic capabilities

Scarlett Johansson’s casting makes perfect sense within this framework. She excels at grounded, emotionally complex performances—exactly what Flanagan described when praising her work. Her ability to convey vulnerability and strength simultaneously could create a protagonist audiences deeply care about before the supernatural horror escalates.

The Franchise’s Uncertain Future: Can Flanagan Save It?

The question looming over this production is whether even a director of Flanagan’s caliber can justify Universal’s $400 million investment. The math remains challenging: even if Flanagan’s film performs significantly better than Believer, the franchise needs multiple massive hits to approach profitability on that enormous rights purchase.

However, several factors work in favor of this new approach:

1. Star Power: Johansson brings proven box office draw and franchise credibility 2. Director Vision: Flanagan’s track record with horror audiences is impeccable 3. Fresh Start: Divorcing from Believer‘s narrative allows clean slate 4. Streaming Value: Peacock benefits from exclusive Exorcist content even if theatrical disappoints 5. IP Leverage: Theme park attractions, merchandise, and experiences extend value 6. Long-Term Planning: Universal can afford to play the long game after Super Mario Bros. and Oppenheimer successes

With massive hits like The Super Mario Bros. Movie ($1.4 billion) and Oppenheimer ($976 million), Universal has financial cushion to take creative risks. The studio’s support for Flanagan’s vision—rather than rushing another formulaic sequel—suggests lessons learned from Believer‘s failure.

Johansson’s Directorial Ambitions and Beyond

Interestingly, while Johansson prepares to star in her first horror film, she’s simultaneously expanding her creative portfolio behind the camera. Her directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival to positive reception. The Sony Pictures Classics drama stars June Squibb and showcases Johansson’s talent beyond acting.

Next up for Johansson is James Gray’s Paper Tiger, opposite Miles Teller and Adam Driver. She’s also reportedly serving as a producer on an undisclosed Marvel Studios project, though she has firmly stated she won’t return as Black Widow following the character’s death in Avengers: Endgame. However, she has expressed interest in potentially directing a Marvel film if the opportunity arises.

The Exorcist’s Cultural Legacy: Why This Franchise Matters

The Exorcist isn’t just another horror franchise—it fundamentally changed the genre and American cinema. When Friedkin’s film premiered in December 1973, it sparked a cultural phenomenon unlike anything before. Audiences reportedly fainted, vomited, and fled theaters. The film became the highest-grossing of 1973 and the first horror film nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.

Beyond box office and accolades, The Exorcist elevated horror’s artistic credibility. It proved that genre films could tackle profound themes—faith versus doubt, good versus evil, maternal love versus demonic corruption—with sophistication and emotional power.

Subsequent sequels struggled under this legacy’s weight. Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977) achieved only 9% on Rotten Tomatoes and is widely considered one of cinema’s worst sequels. The Exorcist III (1990) found critical appreciation but modest box office. Exorcist: The Beginning (2004) and Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist (2005)—two competing versions of the same story—both disappointed.

A 2016 television series ran for two seasons on Fox with mixed reception. Then came Believer‘s failed reboot attempt in 2023.

Flanagan now carries the burden of this complicated history. But his statement about making “the scariest movie I’ve ever made” suggests he understands what’s at stake. He’s not trying to recapture 1973’s lightning in a bottle—he’s aiming to create 2026’s definitive horror experience.

Why Johansson Said Yes: The Appeal of The Exorcist

Following her meeting with producers and Flanagan, Johansson came on board to lead the franchise relaunch. What made this project irresistible to an actress who can essentially choose any role?

Several factors likely influenced her decision:

Creative Challenge: After decades playing established characters (Black Widow, Zora Bennett in Jurassic World), original horror offers fresh territory. Johansson has never led a pure horror film, making this a notable gap to fill.

Director Pedigree: Working with Flanagan—a filmmaker at the peak of his creative powers—presents an opportunity for serious dramatic work within genre framework. His reputation for drawing nuanced performances from actors aligns with Johansson’s artistic sensibilities.

Franchise Potential: Successfully reviving The Exorcist would add another major franchise to her resume and potentially spawn sequels if this installment succeeds.

Timing: Fresh off Jurassic World: Rebirth‘s success and with her directorial debut complete, Johansson has momentum and confidence to tackle challenging material.

Cultural Impact: Being part of The Exorcist legacy—even in a new story—carries cultural weight few franchises possess. Success here means joining an exclusive club of actors who defined horror for their generation.

Johansson is represented by CAA, Yorn Levine LLC, and True Public Relations—power players who wouldn’t steer her toward a project without serious artistic and commercial potential.

Fan Reactions: Cautious Optimism Emerges

Online reactions to Johansson’s casting reveal cautious optimism from horror fans scarred by Believer‘s disappointment. Many pointed to Flanagan’s involvement as reason for hope, with one commenter noting: “The majority of comments seem to forget that this is being written and directed by Flanagan. He turned Ouija 2 into a scary film (against all odds). The original is the scariest film ever made, and I believe it’s in the best hands possible. Just let Mike Flanagan cook please…”

Others expressed franchise fatigue: “Why fix something that isn’t broken. The Exorcist is a classic. They made sequels that bombed. And to remake it or whatever is just a waste of time. Just re-release the original in the movie theater if you want.”

However, the combination of Johansson’s star power and Flanagan’s genre credibility appears to have won over many skeptics. The project generates significantly more enthusiasm than Believer did, suggesting Universal’s strategy to reset with top-tier talent is working from a marketing perspective.

What This Means for Horror’s Future

Scarlett Johansson joining The Exorcist franchise represents a broader shift in how Hollywood approaches horror. The genre—long relegated to low-budget productions and limited releases—now attracts A-list talent both in front of and behind the camera.

Recent years have seen Oscar-winners and nominees embrace horror: Lupita Nyong’o in Us, Daniel Kaluuya in Get Out, Florence Pugh in Midsommar, and now Johansson in The Exorcist. Directors like Jordan Peele, Ari Aster, Robert Eggers, and Flanagan have elevated the genre’s artistic reputation while maintaining commercial viability.

This evolution benefits audiences. When actors of Johansson’s caliber take horror seriously, it forces the industry to invest in scripts, production values, and marketing that match their stature. The result: better horror films that respect both the genre and the audience.

Universal’s willingness to spend $400 million on Exorcist rights—however financially complicated that deal has become—demonstrates major studios taking horror seriously as prestige content rather than just cheap thrills. That Flanagan specifically stated he “chased The Exorcist very aggressively” shows even established directors view this franchise as a career-defining opportunity rather than a paycheck.

The Road Ahead: Expectations and Predictions

As production approaches, several key questions remain:

Will Flanagan deliver on his promise of “the scariest movie I’ve ever made”? His track record suggests yes, but expectations couldn’t be higher. The pressure of reviving a $400 million investment while honoring a 50-year legacy would crush most filmmakers.

Can Johansson carry a horror film? Her dramatic chops and screen presence are unquestioned, but horror requires specific skills—conveying terror convincingly, maintaining intensity across multiple takes of traumatic scenes, physical demands of possession/exorcism sequences. Her perfectionism and work ethic suggest she’ll rise to the challenge.

Will audiences give The Exorcist another chance after Believer? The franchise has disappointed repeatedly since 1973. Can even Flanagan and Johansson overcome that skepticism? The answer likely depends on early reviews and word-of-mouth.

What does “set in The Exorcist universe” actually mean? Will we see returning characters, locations, or mythology from previous films? Or is this universe only connected thematically? Flanagan’s emphasis on not building on nostalgia suggests the latter.

Does Rebecca Ferguson have a role? At a recent convention panel, Flanagan confirmed he called Doctor Sleep star Rebecca Ferguson about a role in the film. Her potential involvement would reunite two actors who generated excellent chemistry in that Stephen King adaptation, though Ferguson’s commitments to Dune and Silo may complicate scheduling.

A Franchise’s Last Chance at Resurrection

Scarlett Johansson starring in Mike Flanagan’s Exorcist film represents far more than celebrity casting—it’s a Hail Mary attempt to justify a $400 million gamble and restore one of horror’s most important franchises to relevance. After The Exorcist: Believer underperformed critically and commercially, Universal and Blumhouse have placed their faith in one of horror’s best directors and one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

If anyone can pull off this improbable resurrection, it’s Flanagan. His proven ability to reimagine established properties (Doctor Sleep, Ouija: Origin of Evil) while crafting genuinely terrifying original stories (The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass) makes him uniquely qualified. Adding Johansson—an actress who elevates every project she joins—strengthens an already compelling creative team.

The film faces enormous challenges: franchise fatigue, the original’s untouchable legacy, the $400 million price tag’s crushing expectations, and general audience skepticism toward horror reboots. But it also has advantages: a clean narrative slate, a visionary director, a bankable star, and a production team that learned painful lessons from Believer‘s mistakes.

“The Exorcist is one of the reasons I became a filmmaker,” Flanagan stated when his involvement was first announced. That passion, combined with his declaration to create his “scariest movie” yet, suggests he understands the responsibility he’s accepted. He’s not just making another sequel—he’s attempting to reignite the terror that made audiences flee theaters in 1973 while crafting something that speaks to 2026 audiences.

Whether this ambitious gambit succeeds won’t be known until the film arrives in theaters. But with Scarlett Johansson officially on board to face demonic forces under Mike Flanagan’s direction, the pieces are in place for something special. Horror fans, Exorcist devotees, and Johansson’s legion of admirers will be watching closely.

The power of Christ—and Flanagan’s filmmaking—may just compel audiences back to the franchise that defined modern horror. If it does, Universal’s $400 million bet might finally pay off.

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