Chiwetel Ejiofor Joins Scarlett Johansson in New 'Exorcist' Film

Actor Chiwetel Ejiofor has joined the cast of a new film set within The Exorcist universe, where he will reportedly play an ex-con turned priest. The project, described as a fresh take, is written and directed by Mike Flanagan and also stars Scarlett Johansson as a mother. The film is neither a remake nor a direct sequel to the original 1973 horror classic. It is scheduled for a theatrical release by Universal Pictures on March 12, 2027.

Key Points: New Exorcist Film Casts Ejiofor, Johansson, Directed by Flanagan

  • New film in The Exorcist universe
  • Directed by Mike Flanagan
  • Stars Chiwetel Ejiofor & Scarlett Johansson
  • Theatrical release set for March 2027
  • Produced by Blumhouse & Morgan Creek
2 min read

Chiwetel Ejiofor joins Scarlett Johansson in new 'Exorcist' film directed by Mike Flanagan

Chiwetel Ejiofor joins Scarlett Johansson in Mike Flanagan's new Exorcist universe film, set for 2027 release. Details on cast & plot.

"fresh and bold take on the iconic horror franchise - Mike Flanagan"

Washington DC, February 5

Actor Chiwetel Ejiofor has joined the cast of a new 'Exorcist' film, which will also star Scarlett Johansson, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The film is being written and directed by Mike Flanagan, known for his adaptations of Stephen King's works such as Gerald's Game and Doctor Sleep. Flanagan has described the project as a "fresh and bold" take on the iconic horror franchise.

The upcoming feature is neither a remake nor a sequel but is set within The Exorcist "universe." Ejiofor reunites with Flanagan following their collaboration on The Life of Chuck, which won the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Sources cited by The Hollywood Reporter said Ejiofor will portray an ex-con turned priest. Johansson is set to play the mother of a young character portrayed by Jacobi Jupe. Diane Lane also stars in the film.

The original Exorcist, directed by William Friedkin and based on William Peter Blatty's novel, centered on the demonic possession of a young girl and the priests who attempt to save her. The film received 10 Academy Award nominations.

The new project will be released theatrically by Universal Pictures, with a release date set for March 12, 2027. Production is expected to take place in New York City.

The film is being produced by Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, Morgan Creek Entertainment and Flanagan's Red Room Pictures. Jason Blum serves as producer, with Ryan Turek as executive producer. David Robinson produces for Morgan Creek Entertainment, while Alexandra Magistro executive produces for Red Room Pictures.

Ejiofor, who received an Academy Award nomination and a BAFTA Award for his performance in 12 Years a Slave, has appeared in films such as Children of Men, Love Actually, and Marvel's Doctor Strange franchise. He was recently seen in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy and Netflix's The Old Guard 2, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Chiwetel Ejiofor is an incredible actor, but I'm a bit skeptical. The original is a classic. Hope they don't ruin it by making it too modern or CGI-heavy. The story should be the hero, not just jump scares.
A
Aman W
Interesting to see a major Hollywood horror franchise getting this treatment. The concept of an "ex-con turned priest" played by Ejiofor sounds powerful. Hope they explore the spiritual themes with depth, not just for thrills.
S
Sarah B
The original scared me for weeks as a teenager! Not sure I need a new one, but with this director and cast, I'll probably watch it. Scarlett Johansson as a mother in a horror film is a new role for her.
V
Vikram M
Blumhouse producing is a good sign for the horror quality. But 2027? By then we'll have forgotten about this announcement! They should focus on making a great film, not just expanding a "universe". Sometimes less is more, yaar.
K
Kavya N
As an Indian viewer, I find the themes of possession and exorcism fascinating because we have similar concepts in our culture too. Will be interesting to see a Western interpretation. Hope it's respectful and not just sensational.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50