Scarlett Johansson is stepping into the world of psychological horror, and doing it with a refreshingly low-key, stripped-back approach. The Oscar-nominated actress was recently spotted filming scenes for the upcoming ‘The Exorcist’ installment in New York City, embracing a makeup-free look that underscores the film’s grounded, character-driven tone.
Dressed in relaxed, off-duty layers, Scarlett Johansson looked worlds away from her usual red carpet glamour. With her hair worn long and loose and minimal styling overall, the actress blended seamlessly into the gritty, on-location shoot.
The project, directed by acclaimed horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan, marks a bold new chapter in ‘The Exorcist’ universe. Rather than revisiting familiar territory, the film is being described as a wholly original story, one that exists within the same world but carves out its own narrative path.
© Jose Perez/Bauer-GriffinProduction officially kicked off in New York in March 2026, with an anticipated theatrical release set for March 12, 2027. Johansson leads a stacked ensemble cast, reportedly playing a mother, possibly a psychologist or detective, whose child becomes entangled in a disturbing case of possession.
Rising young actor Jacobi Jupe is said to portray her son, while Chiwetel Ejiofor takes on the role of a former convict turned priest. The cast also includes Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane, with additional appearances from frequent Flanagan collaborators like Carla Gugino, Rahul Kohli, and Kate Siegel.
© Jose Perez/Bauer-GriffinSet photos suggest a strong investigative thread running through the film, with Johansson and co-stars seen filming scenes alongside police setups and on-location street shoots. This aligns with Flanagan’s signature style, favoring emotional depth, grief, and memory over traditional jump scares.
© Jose Perez/Bauer-GriffinAs anticipation builds, this new ‘Exorcist’ chapter appears poised to redefine the franchise, anchored by Johansson’s grounded performance and Flanagan’s introspective approach to horror.
The evolution of ‘The Exorcist’:
The ‘Exorcist’ franchise has followed a trajectory defined by the historic success of its origin and a series of sequels and prequels that, for the most part, failed to capture that same essence, ultimately culminating in the recent commercial disappointment of 2023.
The original 1973 film, directed by William Friedkin, remains one of the most influential horror movies ever made, earning critical acclaim and becoming the first film of its genre to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.
© Evening StandardIt was also a massive box office success, grossing over $441 million worldwide and holding the title of the highest-grossing R-rated horror film for more than four decades.
However, the franchise quickly struggled to maintain that momentum. ‘Exorcist II: The Heretic’ (1977) was widely criticized for its confusing narrative and tonal departure, often ranking among the worst sequels in film history.
© LMPC‘The Exorcist III’ (1990), written and directed by original author William Peter Blatty, has since gained a cult following for its psychological depth and memorable hospital corridor scare, but it was not enough to fully restore the franchise’s prestige.
The early 2000s prequels, ‘Exorcist: The Beginning’ and ‘Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist,’ faced troubled productions and ultimately underperformed both critically and commercially.
© Sunset BoulevardMore recently, ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ (2023) was intended to launch a new trilogy but fell short of expectations. Despite a production budget of around $30 million, the film grossed approximately $137 million worldwide, numbers that paled in comparison to the reported $400 million spent on acquiring the franchise rights.
Critically panned and receiving a lukewarm audience response, the film’s performance led to the cancellation of its planned sequels. In response, the studio pivoted in a new direction, bringing in Mike Flanagan to reboot the franchise with a fresh, more psychologically driven approach.
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