Blumhouse-Atomic Monster is signaling a major creative shift for its next ‘Exorcist’ film, with two-time Academy Award nominee Scarlett Johansson signing on to star in writer-director Mike Flanagan’s new take on the iconic horror franchise.

Johansson’s casting underscores the studio’s renewed commitment to reinvigorating the property following the underwhelming performance of 2023’s ‘The Exorcist: Believer,’ which grossed $65.5 million domestically and $136.2 million worldwide. The results were notably modest given that NBCUniversal, Peacock and Blumhouse acquired the franchise rights from Morgan Creek for $400 million in July 2021. David Gordon Green, who directed ‘Believer,’ later exited the planned follow-up.

According to sources, the studio met with several top-tier performers before zeroing in on Johansson, whose star power was reaffirmed this summer with the global success of ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth.’ That film earned nearly $869 million worldwide and helped relaunch the blockbuster franchise. After meeting with Flanagan and the producing team, Johansson agreed to board the film, with insiders noting that while scheduling adjustments were needed, the project is expected to be her next shoot. The film will also mark Johansson’s first major entry into the horror genre.

The new installment will feature an entirely original story set within ‘The Exorcist’ universe and will not serve as a sequel to ‘Believer.’ The production is being mounted by Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, Morgan Creek Entertainment and Flanagan’s Red Room Pictures. Flanagan will write, direct and produce through Red Room, with Alexandra Magistro executive producing. David Robinson will produce for Morgan Creek, while Jason Blum and Ryan Turek take on producing and executive-producing duties for Blumhouse-Atomic Monster.

Johansson’s recent work includes ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ as well as her directorial debut, ‘Eleanor the Great,’ released by Sony Pictures Classics after premiering at the Cannes Film Festival. She will next appear in James Gray’s ‘Paper Tiger,’ co-starring Miles Teller and Adam Driver.

Johansson’s accolades include a Tony Award for her 2010 performance in ‘A View from the Bridge’ and a BAFTA win for her breakout role in Sofia Coppola’s ‘Lost in Translation’ (2004). She earned her first two Academy Award nominations in the same year—Best Actress for ‘Marriage Story’ and Best Supporting Actress for ‘Jojo Rabbit’—a distinction shared by only eleven other performers in Oscar history.

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