Scarlett Johansson Will Star In A ‘Radical’ Remake Of ‘The Exorcist’

Scarlett Johansson to star in The Exorcist. Image: Johansson within the Getty Images Portrait Studio Presented by IMDb and IMDbPro in the course of the Toronto International Film Festival at InterContinental Toronto Centre on September 07, 2025, in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for IMDb)

Fifty years on from the unique, Scarlett Johansson is getting ready to step into one among cinema’s most storied universes, main what’s being billed as a “radical new take” on The Exorcist. While she’s no stranger to the motion, drama and comedy genres, this new position marks the actress’ first foray into the world of horror—and what higher begin than a movie that when redefined horror itself?

The authentic movie, launched in 1973 and directed by William Friedkin, set the benchmark by which all possession movies are measured. From Linda Blair’s unforgettable head-spinning flip to the foggy arrival of Lankester Merrin within the night time, the movie—primarily based on the 1971 e-book of the identical identify—turned each a important and business phenomenon. With $441 million in world earnings and 10 Oscar nominations, it proved that the horror style might go far past box-office scares.

Linda Blair holding a crucifix as her head rotates from the 1973 William Friedkin film ‘The Exorcist’. (Photo by Screen Archives/Getty Images)

This new chapter comes from Mike Flanaganthe maestro of slow-burn dread whose work on The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Massand Doctor Sleep has made him a contemporary legend of the style.

Now writing, directing and producing this newest instalment, Flanagan says he “couldn’t be happier” to have Johansson on board, praising her intuition for performances that really feel “grounded and real.”

The Exorcist, Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair, 1973. (Photo by Screen Archives/Getty Images)

Universal famously spent $400 million USD in 2021 for the rights to craft a brand new Exorcist trilogy, although its first try, 2023’s The Exorcist: Believerdidn’t obtain rave evaluations.

This new movie received’t be a sequel to Believer however will exist inside the similar universe because the 1973 masterpiece, telling a wholly new story. While particulars are tightly underneath wraps, filming is ready to start in New York City.