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Talk about a head-spinning role!
Scarlett Johansson is set to lead a “radical new take” on “The Exorcist” in an upcoming film.
The film will tell an all-new story set in “The Exorcist” universe, and is not a sequel to the 2023 entry, “The Exorcist: Believer,” which starred Leslie Odom Jr.
The original “Exorcist,” released in 1973, followed Ellen Burstyn’s Chris MacNeil as she sought two priests to perform an exorcism on her possessed tween daughter, played by Linda Blair.
It was a hit with audiences and critics alike, earning $441 million at the box office and garnering two Academy Awards.
The latest version is coming from Jason Blum and James Wan’s merged horror heavy hitter Blumhouse-Atomic Monster as well Morgan Creek (which has been behind four previous “Exorcist” films) and Hollywood studio Universal.
Acclaimed horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan — who’s behind TV hits like “The Haunting of Hill House” and “Midnight Mass” — will direct the new film, set to shoot in New York City.
Flanagan will also soon breathe new life into another gruesome classic: He recently wrapped production on Amazon MGM Studios’ TV adaptation of Stephen King’s iconic debut novel, “Carrie.”
“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,” Flanagan said in a statement.
It’s no surprise that Universal would be eager to re-team with Johansson, who recently toplined “Jurassic World Rebirth” for the studio. The film earned over $850 million at the global box office, becoming one of the year’s highest-grossing movies.
Johansson remains one of today’s most in-demand stars, juggling prestige projects and blockbuster fare. Her films have grossed over $15.4 billion at the global box office, making her the highest-grossing lead actress of all time.
Flanagan will write and direct the new horror take via his Red Room Pictures banner, with Alexandra Magistro as executive producer. David Robinson produces for Morgan Creek, while horror maestro Blum and Ryan Turek will produce and executive produce for Blumhouse-Atomic Monster.
Johansson is represented by CAA, Yorn Levine LLC and True Public Relations. Flanagan is represented by WME, VanderKloot Law and Bespoke Publicity. Deadline was first to report the news.
