Well, at least it’s not another Stephen King adaptation. Writer and director Mike Flanagan has seen himself behind the camera for no less than three feature films based on Stephen King novels. Not to mention, he’s also writing, directing, and showrunning a series based on “Carrie.” To put it another way, he’s making as many Stephen King projects as King writes novels. We did report he’d be breaking that string of source material with his upcoming “Clayface” project for DC, and now we can say he’ll be doubling down on that by directing Scarlett Johansson in a new film based on “The Exorcist.”
Of all the horror franchises in the world, “The Exorcist” is one that may need the least introduction while also being one of the least successful beyond its initial installment. William Friedkin directed the original film, that was based on the novel by and adapted to the screen by William Peter Blatty. Blatty wrote and directed the third installment based on his novel “Legion.” It’s widely considered by fans and critics alike to be the only other worthwhile film in the franchise. There was hope in returning the series to greatness with 2023’s “The Exorcist: Believer,” but poor reception and a weaker than anticipated box office gross squashed plans for the sequel.
Last year, Flanagan was put in charge of a new “Exorcist” film. Plot details are being kept mum at this point, so we don’t know what role Johansson will be playing. But we DO know this will possibly be an original story set in the universe of the existing timeline. Does that mean she could be playing Chris or Regan at another point in their lives, or another person entirely? Mike Flanagan isn’t saying anything about that yet.
We’ll continue to report as more updates come to light about her role in the upcoming film. We also look forward to finding out more about Flanagan’s non-Stephen King film in general.
