Talk about a head-spinning role!
Scarlett Johansson is set to star in a new movie, a “radical new interpretation” of “The Exorcist.”
The film is an entirely new story set in the world of The Exorcist, and is not a sequel to the 2023 film The Exorcist: Believer, which starred Leslie Odom Jr.
The original “The Exorcist,” released in 1973, follows Chris McNeil, played by Ellen Burstyn, as he searches for two priests to perform an exorcism on his possessed 12-year-old daughter, played by Linda Blair.
It was a hit with audiences and critics alike, grossing $441 million at the box office and winning two Academy Awards.
The latest version will be released by Blumhouse, the horror blockbuster starring Jason Blum and James Wan, and Atomic Monster, Morgan Creek (who also worked on the last four Exorcist films) and Hollywood Studios Universal.
Mike Flanagan, the renowned horror filmmaker behind TV hits such as “The Haunting of Hill House” and “Midnight Mass,” will direct the new film, which will be shot in New York City.
Flanagan will soon be breathing new life into another terrifying classic. Flanagan recently finished production on Amazon MGM Studios’ television adaptation of Stephen King’s iconic debut novel Carrie.
Director Flanagan said in a statement: “Scarlett is an incredible actress whose captivating performances, from genre films to summer blockbusters, always feel grounded and authentic. I couldn’t be more thrilled to have her join us on this ‘Exorcist’ film.”
It’s no surprise that Universal would want to team up again with Johansson, who recently took over as head of the studio with Jurassic World: Rebirth. The film grossed over $850 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the year.
Johansson remains one of the most popular stars of our time, juggling prestigious projects and blockbusters. Her films have grossed more than $15.4 billion worldwide, making her the highest-grossing lead actress of all time.
Flanagan will write and direct the new horror through his Red Room Pictures banner, with Alexandra Magistro serving as executive producer. David Robinson will serve as a producer on Morgan Creek, and horror greats Blum and Ryan Turek will serve as executive producers on Blumhouse Atomic Monster.
Mr. Johansson is repped by CAA, Yorn Levine LLC and True Public Relations. Mr. Flanagan is repped by WME, VanderKloot Law and Bespoke Publicity. Deadline first reported the news.
