Scarlett Johansson is entering serious horror territory as she has signed on to star in writer/director Mike Flanagan’s new Exorcist movie. Universal, Blumhouse Atomic Monster and Morgan Creek are backing what is being described as a bold reimagining of the classic property.
Major franchise acquires major star
Rather than continuing in the vein left behind by 2023’s The Exorcist: Believer, director Flanagan is at the helm of an entirely new story set in the broader Exorcist universe. Although the film received generally negative reviews upon release, it grossed more than $136 million from a $30 million budget. It’s a left-handed turn for Johansson, which comes on the heels of helping reignite Universal’s Jurassic World saga with this year’s Jurassic World: Rebirth, which grossed more than $868 million worldwide.
Deadline broke the news, reporting that Johansson’s casting followed a series of high-level meetings that ultimately became the project’s clear path forward. The studio’s desire to get the franchise back on track is no secret, and casting an A-list cast is a strong sign of its commitment, especially after spending $400 million in rights fees in 2021.
Mike Flanagan welcomes Johansson
Director Flanagan, who has a wide range of horror experience from feature films such as Doctor Sleep and Gerald’s Game to acclaimed series such as The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass, issued a passionate statement confirming the casting.
“Scarlett is a wonderful actress who has always given grounded, authentic and captivating performances in everything from genre films to summer blockbusters. We couldn’t be more pleased to have her join us on this ‘Exorcist’ film.”
While story details are being kept completely under wraps, it has been confirmed that the film will be a fresh story that takes place within the same continuity as the 1973 classic, but is unrelated to The Believers. The film will be produced by Blumhouse Atomic Monster, Morgan Creek and Flanagan’s Red Room Pictures, with Alexandra Magistro serving as executive producer for Red Room.
A turning point in his career that fans didn’t expect arrives.
Johansson has dabbled in almost every area of film, including indie dramas, comedies, voice acting, action films, and even directed her own feature film, Eleanor the Great, which premiered at Cannes this year. But even though 2013’s Under the Skin had horror elements and 2002’s Eight Legged Freaks could be argued to have been a horror comedy, full-on horror was the only notable gap in her resume.
The project is expected to be next for Johansson, although schedule details are reportedly still being finalized. With a star like her and Flanagan promising a “radical” approach, expectations for the film are much higher than they were a few days ago.
Mike Flanagan on the set of Ouija: The Roots of Evil | Universal Pictures
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