Scarlett Johansson is set to star in Universal and Blumhouse’s Atomic Monster’s next “Exorcist” movie.
The latest film, written, directed and produced by Mike Flanagan, is said to be a “radical new interpretation” of the property. The original “The Exorcist,” directed by William Friedkin, tells the story of a mother (Ellen Burstyn) who hires two Catholic priests to exorcise her 12-year-old child (Linda Blair), who is possessed by a demon. Released in 1973, the film was a critical and commercial hit, earning 10 Academy Award nominations and grossing $441 million worldwide.
Flanagan, known for her roles in “Doctor Sleep” and “The Life of Chuck,” said, “Scarlett is a truly authentic actress whose mesmerizing performances are always grounded, from genre films to summer blockbusters. I couldn’t be more pleased to have her join us in this Exorcist movie.”
Universal spent a staggering $400 million in 2021 to buy the rights to a new “Exorcist” trilogy. However, the studio failed to launch the series with its first attempt, 2023’s The Exorcist: Believer. The film, which brought back Burstyn as Chris McNeil and several new characters, grossed $136 million worldwide, a decent amount but not enough to spark interest in a sequel.
The new “Exorcist” is set in the same world as the 1973 film and is not a sequel to “The Believer.” Beyond that, plot details and additional cast members are yet to be confirmed. Filming will take place in New York City.
Johansson recently helped revive Universal’s other major franchise with this summer’s “Jurassic World: Rebirth,” which grossed $868 million worldwide. Johansson, who received Oscar nominations for “Marriage Story” and “Jojo Rabbit,” made her directorial debut earlier this year with the heartwarming drama “Eleanor the Great,” starring June Squibb.
