In a major shakeup for the horror landscape, Universal Pictures has officially announced the release date for its forthcoming reboot of The Exorcist franchise, tapping A-list star Scarlett Johansson to lead the cast alongside breakout talent Jacobi Jupe. The project, helmed by acclaimed horror maestro Mike Flanagan, is slated to hit theaters on March 12, 2027.
This marks the latest attempt to revitalize one of cinema’s most iconic and terrifying properties. Flanagan, celebrated for his masterful adaptations of Stephen King material and his successful Netflix horror series like The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass, is penning and directing this new iteration under the banner of Blumhouse-Atomic Monster and Morgan Creek Entertainment, in association with Red Room Pictures.
The New Vision for a Classic Franchise
The involvement of Mike Flanagan immediately signals a return to character-driven, emotionally resonant horror, a hallmark of his previous work. While details regarding the plot of this untitled revamp remain tightly under wraps, sources confirm that this film is designed as a standalone entry, deliberately avoiding continuity with the 2023 attempt, The Exorcist: Believer, directed by David Gordon Green.
Scarlett Johansson, known globally for her powerhouse performances across blockbuster superhero franchises and nuanced dramatic roles, taking on a central role in a serious horror vehicle is a significant casting coup. Paired with Jacobi Jupe, the young actor who earned widespread acclaim for his performance in Hamnet, the film promises a strong central dynamic to anchor what will undoubtedly be intense thematic material.
Flanagan’s Track Record and High Expectations
Mike Flanagan has established himself as one of the most bankable directors working in modern horror. His ability to blend genuine scares with deep explorations of grief, faith, and trauma has earned him a devoted fanbase. For many genre enthusiasts, Flanagan’s attachment elevates this project significantly above previous attempts to recapture the lightning-in-a-bottle magic of William Friedkin’s 1973 original.
The original The Exorcist remains a monumental piece of filmmaking, often cited as the scariest movie ever made. Since its debut, the franchise has seen numerous sequels and prequels, including Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977) and The Exorcist III (1990), followed by the less successful 2000s prequels, Exorcist: The Beginning (2004) and Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist (2005).
The 2023 sequel, Believer, attempted to launch a new trilogy but received mixed critical reception, suggesting the franchise remains difficult to successfully reboot without a singular, compelling creative voice steering the ship. Enter Flanagan, who is expected to deliver the seventh installment in the film series (eighth, if one includes the short-lived Fox television series).
Production Details and Future of Horror
The project is being shepherded by established industry players. Jason Blum, through Blumhouse, is producing, bringing his Midas touch for successful, high-concept genre films. Alexandra Magistro and Ryan Turek serve as executive producers, ensuring the production adheres to the high standards set by Flanagan’s previous collaborations.
The planned March 2027 release date gives Flanagan ample time to develop the script and manage the complex production schedule required for a Blumhouse tentpole. In the current cinematic climate, where established IP often guarantees an audience, the success of this reboot is crucial for Universal Pictures’ long-term horror strategy.
While audiences wait for more plot details, the combination of Scarlett Johansson’s star power, Jacobi Jupe’s rising dramatic capabilities, and Mike Flanagan’s directorial vision has already positioned this Exorcist film as one of the most anticipated genre releases of the late 2020s. It suggests a commitment to treating the source material with the seriousness and psychological depth it demands, rather than relying solely on shock value.
Johansson’s foray into this subgenre, working alongside Flanagan, hints at a sophisticated, perhaps more internal exploration of faith and possession, moving beyond the standard tropes. Fans are eager to see how the acclaimed actress handles the pressures of anchoring such a legendary horror property. For now, the cinematic world watches closely as Flanagan prepares to confront the demon once again, scheduled for arrival in the spring of 2027.
