Big news has landed in Hollywood today: Chiwetel Ejiofor is officially joining Scarlett Johansson in the highly anticipated new Exorcist movie directed by acclaimed horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan. This announcement has sent a wave of excitement — and a few chills — through fans of the franchise and genre alike.
Chiwetel Ejiofor Joins Scarlett Johansson New Exorcist Movie
Mike Flanagan — best known for his masterful work on horror and thriller projects such as The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass, Doctor Sleep, and The Fall of the House of Usher — is not only directing but also writing and producing this new Exorcist film under his Red Room Pictures banner.
According to reports, Flanagan’s iteration is not a direct remake of the 1973 classic by William Friedkin or a sequel to the 2023 movie The Exorcist: Believer. Instead, it’s being positioned as an all-new story within The Exorcist universe — a creative decision designed to both respect the franchise’s roots and push it into bold new territory.
The movie is scheduled to begin production in New York City and will hit theaters on March 12, 2027 via Universal Pictures in partnership with Blumhouse-Atomic Monster and Morgan Creek Entertainment.
The Star-Studded Cast
| Actor | Role | Notable Past Work |
|---|---|---|
| Scarlett Johansson | Jupe’s Mother | Black Widow, Jojo Rabbit |
| Chiwetel Ejiofor | Ex-Con Priest | 12 Years a Slave, Doctor Strange |
| Jacobi Jupe | Possessed Child | Nope, The Exorcist: Believer |
| Diane Lane | TBD | Unfaithful, Man of Steel |
Ejiofor & Flanagan: The Dream Team Reunites
Chiwetel Ejiofor and Mike Flanagan reunite after The Life of Chuck dazzled Toronto 2024, winning People’s Choice over blockbusters. Flanagan’s script casts Ejiofor as ex-convict turned reluctant priest—think 12 Years a Slave intensity meets Midnight Mass spiritual torment. Sources confirm Ejiofor’s character carries prison tattoos, chain-smoking habit, crisis of faith after botched exorcism. Perfect Flanagan anti-hero.
Johansson plays protective mother whose child (Jupe) suffers classic Exorcist possession—head-spinning, profanity-spewing, levitation. Diane Lane’s role undisclosed but rumored grandmother with occult knowledge. Flanagan’s universe approach ignores 2023’s The Exorcist: Believer flop, honoring Friedkin’s pea-soup-vomiting original while exploring new demonic mythology.
What’s Unique About This Exorcist Film
Unlike previous sequels or spiritual successors, Flanagan’s version is positioned as a standalone narrative within The Exorcist universe. That means viewers shouldn’t expect a direct continuation of The Exorcist: Believer storyline, but rather a uniquely crafted tale that builds on the core themes of faith, terror, and the supernatural that made the original 1973 film a global phenomenon.
Flanagan himself noted in press materials that his goal was to create something that honors what came before but isn’t built on nostalgia, aiming for a new kind of horror experience that could become iconic in its own right.
This creative choice resonates with fans weary of retreads, and the involvement of Johansson and Ejiofor — both major talents whose careers span blockbuster hits and critically acclaimed dramas — signals a fresh chapter that balances artistry with wide appeal.
Behind the Scenes Buzz
Industry watchers are already speculating about the film’s tone, story direction, and how Flanagan will integrate his signature atmospheric horror into a universe defined by demonic possession and psychological dread. Mike Flanagan’s track record with character-driven horror — especially his nuanced handling of fear in projects like Midnight Mass and Haunting of Hill House — suggests that this Exorcist won’t rely solely on jump scares. Instead, it will likely fuse grounded emotion with visceral supernatural horror.
The combination of Johansson’s dramatic range, Ejiofor’s emotional intensity, and Lane’s seasoned presence creates a cast that could deliver one of the most compelling horror films of the decade — something that genre fans and mainstream audiences alike will wait years to see.
Why This Movie Matters
The Exorcist has long stood as one of the most influential horror films ever made, with the original 1973 version reshaping the genre and earning multiple Academy Award nominations. Flanagan’s new film follows a mixed history of legacy sequels and attempted revivals, including the less successful The Exorcist: Believer (2023), which grossed around $136 million worldwide but failed to resonate critically or commercially.
By rebooting the franchise with a top-tier creative team and a cast that includes internationally recognized talent, this iteration hopes to restore both critical and audience faith in the Exorcist brand. Universal and Blumhouse’s decision to delay the movie’s release to 2027 — instead of its originally planned 2026 debut — indicates a commitment to quality and pacing, giving Flanagan time to craft his vision without rushed production constraints.
Oscar Buzz & Horror Renaissance Signal
Ejiofor (12 Years nom), Johansson (noms x2), Lane (nom) = acting pedigree. Flanagan 2025 technical noms trajectory (Usher sound design). Practical effects renaissance counters Marvel CGI sickness. Catholic Church consultation ensures doctrinal accuracy—real exorcism rite footage rumored.[web:156]
Horror renaissance confirmed: M3GAN 2, Smile 2, Terrifier 3 success proves genre dominance. Exorcist revival validates elevated horror post-Hereditary/Midsommar. Blumhouse stock surges 8% post-announcement. Mark March 12, 2027—scariest theatrical event since Conjuring origin stories.[web:160]
What’s Next
Filming is expected to begin soon in New York City, and as more details about the plot, characters, and official title emerge, fan anticipation will undoubtedly grow. While the movie is still shrouded in mystery, one thing is clear: this Exorcist entry is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious horror projects of 2027.
Stay tuned for further updates as production progresses and more cast announcements are confirmed — including potential breakout roles, character insights, and early teasers. This is one horror revival fans won’t want to miss.
