Scarlett Johansson is officially joining Mike Flanagan’s new take on The Exorcist, marking the biggest move yet in Universal and Blumhouse’s attempt to course-correct the franchise after The Exorcist: Believer collapsed both financially and creatively.
Johansson Signals Serious Course Correction
Deadline reports Johansson will headline the new film, which is described as a fresh story set in The Exorcist universe and not connected to Believer.
Her casting follows the underperformance of the 2023 reboot, which brought in only $65.5 million in the U.S./Canada and $136.2 million worldwide, an embarrassing return after Universal paid $400 million for the franchise rights.
Mike Flanagan praised Johansson, calling her “a brilliant actress” whose grounded performances make her ideal for the tone he intends.
“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 Flanagan.
Flanagan’s Reset Moves Forward
This new entry is Flanagan’s full creative reset after Universal and Blumhouse scrapped The Exorcist: Deceiver and removed David Gordon Green from the franchise. The studio pivoted after Believer bombed with critics (22% Rotten Tomatoes) and audiences (59%).
Flanagan will write, direct, and produce the project through his Red Room Pictures label. Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, Morgan Creek, and Universal are all backing the film. Producers include Jason Blum, Ryan Turek, Trevor Macy, and David Robinson.
(note: featured image of Scarlett Johansson is from Ritual Identities)
