Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, Morgan Creek, and Universal have cast Scarlett Johansson in the lead role of a new film inspired by The Exorcist. The standalone horror is written, directed, and produced by Mike Flanagan (“The Haunting of Hill House,” “Doctor Sleep”). According to Deadline, the studio had been looking for an A-list performer, and after meeting with Flanagan the filmmakers chose Johansson.
The film will tell its own story inside The Exorcist universe and will not connect to last year’s “The Exorcist: Believer.” That release underperformed at the box office, so bringing in a BAFTA winner and Tony recipient is meant to signal a serious relaunch of the franchise.
Several stars were considered, but Johansson’s schedule was adjusted so the horror project becomes her next film after “Jurassic World: Rebirth,” which earned about $869 million worldwide. It will be her first pure horror role, and Flanagan highlighted her ability to deliver emotionally precise performances across genres.
Johansson recently debuted as a director with the drama “The Great Eleanor,” which premiered in Cannes. With two Oscar nominations (both in 2019) and a long list of major projects, the studios hope her involvement will draw attention to the refreshed Exorcist universe.