Scarlett Johansson To Star In New 'Exorcist' Horror Film From Mike Flanagan

TV & Film

Nov 26

The Exorcist poster — Image Source: Mubi

Well, one can never keep a profitable horror franchise down.

1973’s The Exorcist needs no introduction. Widely regarded as one of, if not the scariest film ever made, it was a commercial and critical grand slam, netting ten Oscar nominations (winning adapted screenplay and sound) and raking in over a billion dollars at the box office, adjusted for inflation. It’s one of the most influential films of all time, regardless of genre. The attempts at recapturing the magic have been… utter failures. The third film has its defenders, but the second is widely regarded as one of the worst films of all time, and The Exorcist: Believer was a disaster as well. The latter film was supposed to start a new franchise, but after the film’s critical failure, it was scrapped.

But like I said: you can never keep a profitable horror franchise down. This time, Mike Flanagan has decided to take a crack at it, and he’s bringing a familiar face from the MCU with him. So far, nothing has been revealed about either Flanagan’s vision for the film or Johansson’s involvement. Flanagan isn’t the worst person to take the helm. Between Stephen King adaptations in Gerald’s Game and Dr. Sleep, as well as films like the critically underrated Hush, he knows how to make a good horror film. Given that he’s stated that The Exorcist is one of his biggest influences, he’ll certainly treat the franchise with the respect it deserves.

Unlike Believer. Which was so, so bad.

So far, no release date has been set for the film.

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