A major new chapter in supernatural horror is officially taking shape.
Chiwetel Ejiofor has signed on to star opposite Scarlett Johansson in an upcoming Exorcist film being developed by Blumhouse Productions and Universal Pictures, with acclaimed genre filmmaker Mike Flanagan set to write and direct.
Rather than serving as a reboot of the 1973 classic, the project is described as an original story set within The Exorcist universe, signaling a fresh creative direction for one of horror’s most iconic franchises.
Plot details and character information are being kept tightly under wraps, but Flanagan’s involvement immediately raises expectations. The director is known for emotionally driven horror such as Doctor Sleep and The Haunting of Hill House, and this marks his first major theatrical entry into the Exorcist mythology.
Ejiofor brings a reputation for intense, grounded performances, while Johansson’s casting adds major star power to the production. Their pairing suggests the film will lean heavily into character-driven storytelling alongside supernatural terror, a hallmark of Flanagan’s work.
The movie is being produced under Blumhouse’s banner, continuing the studio’s strategy of revitalizing legacy horror properties with filmmaker-led visions. Universal will handle distribution. No production start date or release window has been announced yet.
This new Exorcist installment follows years of uncertainty around the franchise’s future, and Flanagan’s involvement represents a tonal reset after previous entries divided audiences. With Johansson and Ejiofor now attached, the project is quickly becoming one of the most closely watched horror developments of 2026.
More updates on casting, story details, and scheduling are expected in the coming months.
