Scarlett Johansson to Star in Exorcist Reboot by Mike Flanagan for Blumhouse

A new, radically bold take on the classic Exorcist is planned by Blumhouse, for which Mike Flanagan is invited on board as the director.

And guess what? Jurassic World: Rebirth’s Scarlett Johansson said yes to the next horror instalment of the franchise!​ Scarlett Johansson to star in Exorcist reboot has ignited excitement across the industry as audiences await her chilling new role.

What is the new Exorcist film titled, and what is the story’s plot?​

Many reports suggest that the new Exorcist film is still untitled; however, some authentic sources have been mentioning it as “The Exorcist: Deceiver”, where Flanagan helms the film.

​The Exorcist: Deceiver was initially considered as the second sequel in the trilogy under David Gordon Green, whose first part, The Exorcist: Believer (2023), underperformed at the box office.​

Believer cost $30 million, against which it earned $137 million at the box office. Not bad, but if compared with the rights price tag and 22 percent Rotten Tomatoes score, it was clearly not what the studio was looking for.

The plans have now changed, and David Green is no longer involved. This is where Mike Flanagan steps in to take control and change the direction of the franchise.​

Mike Flanagan on having Scarlett Johansson in The Exorcist reboot

​According to Deadline, Flanagan is all praise for Johansson’s performances, as he cites,​

“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.” [Source]

This will be Scarlett’s first legit horror film, but her role remains uncertain. Fans have been speculating that she might play the possessed child’s mother, but no official news has been out yet.

The Exorcist relaunch film will be a great addition to her long and successful career, reinforcing her status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile performers.​

Given Johansson’s past performances, stepping into a storied horror franchise not only broadens her creative range but also positions her at the center of a bold new chapter for a cinematic classic. If the relaunch succeeds, it will further strengthen her adeptness and serve as a defining milestone in her career that is already marked by critical acclaim.

Does Scarlett Johansson to star in Exorcist reboot signal a major shift in the franchise’s overall direction?

Having Scarlett Johansson, a two-time Oscar nominee, former Avenger, and the Jurassic World: Rebirth’s $800 million gross earnings actor, is a great start for The Exorcist reboot.​

The Exorcist franchise is trying hard to prove itself the greatest horror franchise, even if it means taking desperate measures. Still, it might make the same mistake twice.​

The franchise needs to be vigilant. Probably, the franchise owners are of the view that they should make a big impression from the start. This might not always work.

They need to work on the lore-building, and not rebuilding the story by completely ignoring the previous installments. Hiring Flanagan means that the franchise knows what it wants and how it wants it to be.

Flanagan is a true horror expert, as evident from Doctor Sleep (2019) and the season Haunting of the Hill House (2018). He is the only one who knows how to build a heartfelt horror empire with something truly appealing to the audience.

 

 

 

 

 

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The Exorcist franchise appears to be taking a more serious turn, with the casting of Scarlett Johansson as the lead signaling the franchise owners’ renewed commitment. They want the audience to forget their past failures, as you look at The Exorcist films’ previous ratings:

​​When is the new Exorcist reboot releasing?

Blumhouse and Morgan Creek have diverted from the Green’s trilogy plans and signed Flanagan to write, direct, and produce the new Exorcist reboot film in June 2024.​

Initially, the film was planned for a March 2026 release, but now Flanagan’s Exorcist reboot with Johansson is on an unspecified delay.​

It is due to the reason that Flanagan’s focus is on Stephen King’s adaptation of the series Carrie. Knowing how meticulous Flanagan’s filmmaking approach is, Universal and Blumhouse might not be in a position to force him to rush production for the new Exorcist reboot.

It is inferred that the film’s release might, therefore, be delayed. Still, the fans are happy they got to see a forward momentum in the film and received their first official update on its progress. 

Madiha Ali

Passionate Entertainment Writer | Trusted Pop Culture Voice
Madiha Ali is an experienced entertainment writer with over five years of expertise in covering movies, TV shows, celebrity news, and pop culture. Her bylines appear on trusted platforms like Screen Anarchy, High on Films, Ary News, The Express Tribune, Tea and Banter, Show Snob, CelebFeedz, Snapfeedz, Daily Planet Media, The Irish Insider, and Movie Insiderz.

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