The horror classic is about to be reborn with one of Hollywood's biggest stars. Scarlett Johansson has been chosen to star in the next installment of 'The Exorcist' franchise, a joint project from Universal Pictures and Blumhouse-Atomic Monster that seeks to reboot the saga with a fresh and bold perspective. At the helm of this ambitious project is Mike Flanagan, the acclaimed creator known for titles such as “Doctor Sleep” and “The Life of Chuck.” Flanagan will not only direct the film, but will also write the screenplay and produce. The film has been officially described as a “radical new vision” of the original universe, promising a reinvention of the myth that marked a turning point in horror cinema. About the Franchise: The original 'Exorcist' film, directed by William Friedkin in 1973, became a cultural and box office phenomenon. The story of a desperate mother (Ellen Burstyn) who seeks the help of two priests to exorcise her 12-year-old daughter (Linda Blair), possessed by a demon, grossed $441 million and earned 10 Oscar nominations, cementing its status as an essential film. Flanagan's enthusiasm for having Johansson is palpable. The director stated, according to Variety: “Scarlett is a brilliant actress, whose captivating performances always feel realistic and solid, from genre films to summer blockbusters, and I couldn't be happier to have her in this 'Exorcist' film.” This new film will be set in the same universe as the 1973 film, but it will not be a direct sequel to “The Exorcist: Believer,” the 2023 attempt to relaunch the franchise. Although that film, which featured the return of Ellen Burstyn, grossed $136 million worldwide, the results did not meet expectations to justify the planned sequels. Universal had made a multi-million dollar bet in 2021, acquiring the rights for a new trilogy for the staggering sum of $400 million.

For now, plot details and the rest of the cast remain a secret. What is known is that filming will take place in New York City.

For Johansson, this project adds to her successful track record of revitalizing iconic franchises. Recently,she was a key part of the 'Jurassic World' revival with “Jurassic World: Rebirth,” which grossed $868 million worldwide this summer. The actress, a two-time Oscar nominee for “Marriage Story” and “Jojo Rabbit,” has also ventured into directing with the dramedy 'Eleanor the Great.'

With the visionary talent of Mike Flanagan and the star power of Scarlett Johansson, the new version of “The Exorcist” is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated and promising horror films of the coming years.