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Scarlett Johansson takes possession of new “EXORCIST” lead role

Monday, November 24, 2025 | News

By MICHAEL GINGOLD

The actress is making the jump from JURASSIC WORLD to the realm of religious horror.

Blumhouse and Atomic Monster have announced that Scarlett Johansson, seen earlier this year in JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH, will star in the upcoming EXORCIST feature they’re producing with Morgan Creek Entertainment for Universal Pictures release. Her role in the movie, described as a “radical new take” on the classic property, has not yet been revealed. Written and directed by Mike Flanagan, the film is set to shoot in New York City and “will tell an all-new story set in THE EXORCIST universe and is not a sequel to 2023’s THE EXORCIST: BELIEVER.” It had been announced for a release on March 13, 2026, though writer/director/producer Mike Flanagan has stated that there’s “No way” it will make that date, since he’s been busy on the CARRIE series for Amazon MGM Studios.

“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 says. We’ll bring you more details as we find ’em out!

Michael Gingold
Michael Gingold (RUE MORGUE's Head Writer) has been covering the world of horror cinema for over three decades, and in addition to his work for RUE MORGUE, he has been a longtime writer and editor for FANGORIA magazine and its website. He has also written for BIRTH.MOVIES.DEATH, SCREAM, IndieWire.com, TIME OUT, DELIRIUM, MOVIEMAKER and others. He is the author of the AD NAUSEAM books (1984 Publishing) and THE FRIGHTFEST GUIDE TO MONSTER MOVIES (FAB Press), and he has contributed documentaries, featurettes and liner notes to numerous Blu-rays, including the award-winning feature-length doc TWISTED TALE: THE UNMAKING OF "SPOOKIES" (Vinegar Syndrome).