Blumhouse-Atomic Monster and Universal are reviving one of horror’s most enduring franchises with a bold new vision. Two-time Oscar nominee Scarlett Johansson is set to star in the next installment of the currently untitled “The Exorcist” reboot, written and directed by acclaimed horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan (“The Haunting of Hill House,” “Doctor Sleep,” “Gerald’s Game”). As reported by Deadline, the film marks Johansson’s first major horror role and Flanagan’s return to theatrical horror filmmaking under his Red Room Pictures banner.
“ ‘The Exorcist’ is one of the reasons I became a filmmaker, and it is an honor to have the chance to try something fresh, bold and terrifying within its universe,” Flanagan told the Hollywood Reporter.
For those interested in learning more about this exciting new project, including casting opportunities, here’s everything we know so far about Blumhouse’s “The Exorcist” movie.
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The film will be the franchise’s seventh entry—and its seventh director—in its 50-year history. The original 1973 film, a landmark of the genre, grossed $441 million worldwide and earned 10 Oscar nominations and two wins, according to Variety. Universal acquired the rights in a $400 million deal with Morgan Creek in 2021.
Plot details remain under wraps for the new film, but Variety confirms it will tell an all-new story set in the universe of the 1973 classic. It is not a sequel to 2023’s “The Exorcist: Believer,” which continued the original storyline.
Directed by William Friedkin, the original film followed a mother (Ellen Burstyn) who enlisted two priests to perform an exorcism on her possessed daughter (Linda Blair). “Believer” reintroduced Burstyn’s character as she aided a single father (Leslie Odom Jr.) facing a similar evil. Flanagan’s take will chart a new course.
According to Deadline, the film is being produced by Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, Morgan Creek Entertainment, and Red Room Pictures. Flanagan will write, direct, and produce. Alexandra Magistro will produce for Red Room Pictures, David Robinson for Morgan Creek Entertainment, and Jason Blum and Ryan Turek will serve as producer and executive producer for Blumhouse-Atomic Monster. Universal Pictures will distribute.
Mike Flanagan Credit: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock
Johansson is the only confirmed cast member so far. While Johansson has appeared in two horror-adjacent projects—“Eight Legged Freaks” (2002) and “Under the Skin” (2013)—this marks her first lead role in a traditional horror film.
More details are expected to emerge as production ramps up.
Casting hasn’t been announced yet, but according to the Hollywood Reporter, the film is in early preproduction and will shoot in New York City. In Oct. 2025, we sat down with Blumhouse's go-to casting director, where she revealed how she casts some of the production company's biggest hits. She also shared the not-so-obvious skills that can make or break a horror audition.
While you wait for “The Exorcist” reboot casting news, check out our main casting call page and horror casting call page for active listings.
You can also explore similar greenlit projects:
And for even more acting advice and resources:
Universal has not yet set a release date. With the film still in preproduction, updates are expected in the months ahead. For now, revisit the original “Exorcist” films on streaming platforms and stay tuned to Backstage for updates.
