Scarlett Johansson, Mike Flanagan team up for new 'Exorcist' instalment
The original 'Exorcist', directed by William Friedkin, told the story of a mother seeking the help of two Catholic priests to save her demonically possessed 12-year-old daughter.
The original 'Exorcist', directed by William Friedkin, told the story of a mother seeking the help of two Catholic priests to save her demonically possessed 12-year-old daughter.
The original 'Exorcist', directed by William Friedkin, told the story of a mother seeking the help of two Catholic priests to save her demonically possessed 12-year-old daughter.
Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson is set to make her entry into the horror genre with a new 'Exorcist' film for Universal and Blumhouse–Atomic Monster. The project will take place in the same universe as the iconic 1973 classic, though it will not serve as a sequel to last year’s “Believer.” Beyond that, plot details and the rest of the cast are still under wraps. Filming is expected to begin in New York City, according to Variety.
Mike Flanagan is writing, directing and producing the new installment, which has been described as a “radical new take” on the franchise. “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 said. The filmmaker is best known for “Doctor Sleep” and “The Life of Chuck.”
The original “Exorcist,” directed by William Friedkin, told the story of a mother seeking the help of two Catholic priests to save her demonically possessed 12-year-old daughter. Released in 1973, it became a landmark horror film, earning 441 million dollars worldwide and securing 10 Oscar nominations.
Johansson recently helped revive another flagship franchise for Universal with this summer’s “Jurassic World Rebirth,” which grossed 868 dollars million globally. An Oscar nominee for “Marriage Story” and “Jojo Rabbit,” she also made her directorial debut earlier this year with “Eleanor the Great,” a feel-good dramedy starring June Squibb.
Considered one of the highest-grossing lead actresses of all time, Johansson’s accolades include a BAFTA and a Tony Award, along with nominations for two Academy Awards and five Golden Globes. Up next, she will be heard in “Ray Gunn,” directed by Brad Bird and featuring the voices of Sam Rockwell, Jamie Costa and John Ratzenberger. She also has “Paper Tiger” lined up with Adam Driver and Miles Teller, a story about two brothers chasing the American Dream who get pulled into a dangerous Russian mafia plot that threatens their family and tests their loyalty.