Mike Flanagan’s The Exorcist, Starring Scarlett Johansson, Officially Back on Track for 2027 Release

After months of uncertainty, Universal Pictures has officially put The Exorcist back on the calendar. The studio confirmed on Friday that its highly anticipated reboot—described as a “radical redo” of the horror classic—will now be released theatrically on March 12, 2027.

The film, written, directed, and produced by Mike Flanagan, stars Scarlett Johansson and marks a fresh creative reset for the iconic franchise. Originally slated for a March 13, 2026 release, the project was quietly removed from Universal’s schedule in June, sparking speculation about delays behind the scenes. The newly announced date not only puts the film back on track, but also positions it as a major spring event title for the studio.

A Prime Release Date for a High-Profile Horror Event

Universal has reserved a coveted spring break release slot for The Exorcist, signaling strong confidence in Flanagan’s vision. As of now, the only other film scheduled for that date is Sony’s animated feature Buds, giving the horror reboot a relatively clear runway at the box office.

The project is a collaboration between Blumhouse-Atomic Monster and Morgan Creek Entertainment, with Universal handling distribution. Blumhouse confirmed back in May 2024 that Flanagan was fully committed to reimagining The Exorcist, following his acclaimed run in prestige horror television and film.

A Radical New Take—Completely Untethered From the Franchise

Unlike 2023’s The Exorcist: Believer, Flanagan’s film will tell an entirely original story, unconnected to previous entries in the franchise. This creative decision appears to be a deliberate move to distance the project from recent installments, including Believer, which earned $65.5 million domestically and $136.2 million worldwide following NBCUniversal, Peacock, and Blumhouse’s acquisition of franchise rights in 2021.

Flanagan’s reboot aims to stand on its own, both narratively and tonally—an approach consistent with his past work, which often prioritizes psychological depth, emotional weight, and slow-burn dread over spectacle.

Scarlett Johansson Leads a Carefully Curated Cast

Scarlett Johansson joined the project shortly after Flanagan’s involvement was confirmed, instantly elevating the film’s profile. She is later joined by Jacobi Jupe (Hamnet), though plot details and character descriptions remain tightly under wraps.

Behind the camera, the production team brings serious genre credentials. Producers include Jason Blum (Get Out, The Black Phone), David Robinson (The Exorcist series, Dead Ringers), and Flanagan himself. Executive producers Alexandra Magistro and Ryan Turek round out the team, with production companies Red Room Pictures, Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, and Morgan Creek all involved.

What This Means for the Future of The Exorcist

By giving Flanagan full creative autonomy and repositioning the release date, Universal appears to be betting on a prestige-driven reinvention rather than franchise continuity. For fans of Flanagan’s work on The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass, The Fall of the House of Usher, and Doctor Sleep, expectations are high that this version of The Exorcist will lean heavily into atmosphere, moral tension, and psychological horror.

With its new 2027 release date locked in, The Exorcist is no longer a question mark—it’s shaping up to be one of the most closely watched horror releases of the decade.

Whether Flanagan’s radical new vision can redefine one of cinema’s most sacred horror titles remains to be seen. But for now, The Exorcist is officially back—and possession is once again on the schedule.