Exorcist returns: Scarlett Johansson bags the lead role in the new installment of the horror classic

Exorcist is getting another modern spin. The horror film franchise began with the 1973 film and has since seen several sequels and prequels. The upcoming one will feature Scarlett Johansson in the lead role.

The Oscar-nominated actress will be starring in this film, which Mike Flanagan will helm. Johansson had her tryst with the horror genre in Under The Skin, which also blended science fiction.

Given how popular this franchise is, Johansson's involvement is expected to draw a large audience to the film. Let's explore more details about the upcoming movie and what role she might be playing in it.

Scarlett Johansson to star in a new Exorcist film

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Scarlett Johansson will be starring in the lead role in the upcoming Exorcist film. Blumhouse Productions and Atomic Monster will back it. Mike Flanagan will be serving as its writer and director. He has been active in the horror genre with many titles under his belt, including Doctor Sleep and Hush.

Deadline has stated that Johansson met with Flanagan and studio executives for the role. It will be the first true-blue horror film of her career. The film will be produced by Flanagan, Jason Blum, and David Robinson under the banners of Blumhouse, Morgan Creek Entertainment, and Blumhouse-Atomic Monster. Ryan Turek is the executive producer.

Flanagan issued a statement and said,

“Scarlett is a brilliant actress whose captivating performances always feel grounded and real, from genre films to summer blockbusters, and I couldn’t be happier to have her join this Exorcist film."

The last outing from the franchise was The Exorcist: Believer, which was released in 2023. It met with a negative critical response and failed at the box office. This prompted the studio to cancel a planned trilogy and work on a reboot. Its director, David Gordon Green, exited the project, and Flanagan came on board.

Back in 2021, Blumhouse, Peacock, and NBCUniversal bought the rights to the franchise from Morgan Creek for $400 million. Johansson was last seen in Jurassic World: Rebirth, which was a major commercial success. She also made her directorial debut with the drama film Eleanor The Great. The actress will be next seen in Paper Tiger and Ray Gunn.

The Exorcist franchise began in 1973 with the namesake film, which became a critical and box-office success.