Scarlett Johansson to play lead role in new 'Exorcist' movie

Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in talks to join the upcoming reboot of The Exorcist.

Speaking to The Wrap, the film's director, Mike Flanagan, said that he wants to cast the actress in his new horror film.

“Scarlett is a brilliant actress whose captivating performances always feel grounded and real, from genre films to summer blockbusters," he said.

"I couldn't be happier to have her join this Exorcist film," Mike told the outlet, without providing any details about Scarlett's role.

Last year, it was announced that Mike would develop an original story rather than a sequel, following the poor box-office performance of 2023's The Exorcist: Believe.

“The Exorcist is one of the reasons I became a filmmaker,” the director said at that time.

“And it’s an honor to have the chance to try something fresh, bold and terrifying within its universe. Reuniting with my friends at Blumhouse, with whom I’ve made some of my favourite pieces of work, only makes this more exciting," he added.

In September 2024, in an interview with THR, Mike said that he wanted to make the "scariest movie" with the iconic franchise.

“I chased The Exorcist very aggressively because I was convinced I had something that I could add. This is an opportunity to do something that I believe has never been done within the franchise — something that honours what came before it but isn’t built on nostalgia. I really just saw an opportunity to make the scariest movie I’ve ever made,” he said.

For those unversed, Mike is best known for his directorial work in The Haunting of Hill House and Doctor Sleep.