Takeaways
- Scarlett Johansson is set to star in a new Exorcist reboot from Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, Morgan Creek, and Universal.
- Mike Flanagan will write and direct the film, marking a fresh storyline within The Exorcist universe.
- Johansson’s casting signals a major investment after the previous installment underperformed at the box office.
- This will be Johansson’s first major horror role in her acclaimed career.
Scarlett Johansson Joins the New ‘Exorcist’ Reboot
Scarlett Johansson is officially stepping into the horror world as the star of a new Exorcist film from Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, Morgan Creek Entertainment, and Universal Pictures. The project will be directed and written by acclaimed filmmaker Mike Flanagan, known for The Haunting of Hill House, Doctor Sleep, and Midnight Mass.
Flanagan praised Johansson’s casting, saying:
“Scarlett is a brilliant actress whose captivating performances always feel grounded and real… I couldn’t be happier to have her join this Exorcist film.”
Her involvement marks a major shift for the franchise and a clear signal that the studio is pushing for a high-caliber relaunch.
Why Johansson’s Casting Matters for the Franchise
This new film arrives after The Exorcist: Believer (2023) struggled financially, earning $65.5M domestic and $136.2M worldwide, despite Universal and Blumhouse acquiring the franchise rights for $400 million in 2021.
Director David Gordon Green, who helmed Believer, stepped away from the next installment—opening the door for a creative reset.
Johansson became the top choice after impressing producers with her work in Jurassic World: Rebirth, which earned nearly $869 million globally and helped revive that franchise. According to insiders, scheduling needed to be aligned around her other commitments, but Johansson ultimately signed on to lead the reboot.
For Johansson—whose career has spanned drama, action, indie film, and blockbuster franchises—this project marks her first major horror film.
A New Story in ‘The Exorcist’ Universe
Instead of serving as a sequel to The Exorcist: Believer, this film will introduce an entirely new story set within the Exorcist universe.
The project’s production lineup includes:
- Blumhouse-Atomic Monster – Jason Blum (producer) and Ryan Turek (executive producer)
- Morgan Creek Entertainment – David Robinson (producer)
- Red Room Pictures – Mike Flanagan (writer/director/producer) & Alexandra Magistro (executive producer)
This collaborative powerhouse hints at a major cinematic event for horror fans and industry professionals.
Scarlett Johansson’s Current Career Momentum
Johansson is experiencing a particularly busy moment in her career:
Directing Debut
She recently made her first turn behind the camera with Eleanor the Great, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.
Upcoming Films
She will next appear in Paper Tiger, directed by James Gray and starring alongside Miles Teller and Adam Driver.
Award-Winning Career
Johansson’s accolades include:
- Academy Award nominations in 2019 (Marriage Story & Jojo Rabbit)
- BAFTA Best Actress for Lost in Translation
- Tony Award for A View from the Bridge
She is represented by CAA and Yorn Levine LLC.
Why This Matters for Actors & Creators
A new Exorcist reboot backed by big studios and major talent means:
- Potential casting opportunities for supporting roles, clergy, investigators, supernatural characters, and ensemble casts.
- Production jobs across creature effects, stunt work, and dramatic horror storytelling.
- Amplified industry attention, especially with Johansson leading and Flanagan directing.
- Franchise relaunch momentum, opening the door for sequels or connected projects.
As Blumhouse and Atomic Monster merge forces, the demand for top-tier horror talent continues to rise—making this a project to watch.
