Universal Pictures is preparing a bold new chapter in its long-running horror canon with The Exorcist: Martyrs. This feature film is written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mike Flanagan. Slated to reach theaters on March 12, 2027, the project serves as a standalone entry. It is designed to steer the iconic franchise in a completely fresh direction following the disappointing box-office performance of 2023’s The Exorcist: Believer.
Headlining the star-studded cast is Scarlett Johansson. She stars as Detective Julie Miller, an NYPD homicide detective and single mother. Her investigation into a convicted serial killer unravels a deeply disturbing case involving seemingly supernatural events. This pushes the narrative into a unique hybrid of gritty crime procedural and demonic horror.
A New Direction Inspired by Crime Thrillers and The Exorcist III
Speaking with media outlets following the release of the film’s first teaser, Flanagan emphasized that The Exorcist: Martyrs avoids direct ties to prior entries. It acts as a standalone story within the expansive universe. Rather than leaning on nostalgic legacy tropes, the director drew heavy inspiration from David Fincher’s Se7en and The Silence of the Lambs. This establishes a dark, atmospheric thriller tone driven by relentless dread.
Flanagan also confirmed that 1990’s cult favorite The Exorcist III served as a primary point of creative influence. Fans of William Peter Blatty’s threequel will find subtle thematic filaments connecting the new film’s investigative mechanics to the classic detective mystery of Lieutenant William F. Kinderman.
Plot Details and Character Breakdowns
The narrative kicks off when Detective Miller apprehends a notorious serial killer early in the story. John Leguizamo stars as this killer, known as Father Sunday. His brutal crime scenes meticulously recreate the martyrdoms of Roman Catholic saints using distinct religious imagery. Chiwetel Ejiofor co-stars as Father William, a career prison chaplain who presided over Father Sunday’s execution. Father William has since plunged into a profound crisis of faith due to the inexplicable events of that night.
When the killings inexplicably resume over a decade later, Detective Miller teams up with fellow NYPD homicide detective Gina Restrepo, played by Sasha Calle. As the supernatural phenomena escalate, the terror shifts from standard bedroom possessions into a wider public threat. This directly endangers Detective Miller’s 12-year-old son, Max-played by Jacobi Jupe-and her mother, Mary, portrayed by Diane Lane.
An Ensemble Cast of Genre Veterans
In addition to Johansson, Leguizamo, Ejiofor, Lane, Calle, and Jupe, the ensemble features Laurence Fishburne as a priest experienced in ancient rituals. The cast also includes a familiar roster of recurring Flanagan collaborators. This group features Carla Gugino, Samantha Sloyan, Rahul Kohli, Hamish Linklater, Gil Bellows, Carl Lumbly, John Gallagher Jr., Benjamin Pajak, Robert Longstreet, Matt Biedel, and Kate Siegel.
Produced by Blumhouse, Atomic Monster, and Morgan Creek Entertainment in association with Red Room Pictures, The Exorcist: Martyrs is positioned as an intense, psychologically gripping theatrical experience when it debuts on March 12, 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Exorcist: Martyrs
When is The Exorcist: Martyrs releasing in theaters?
The Exorcist: Martyrs is scheduled to premiere in theaters on March 12, 2027, distributed by Universal Pictures.
Who is directing and writing the film?
Renowned horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan wrote and directed the movie. He is also producing alongside Jason Blum and David Robinson.
Who stars in The Exorcist: Martyrs?
The film stars Scarlett Johansson as Detective Julie Miller, alongside a prominent cast including John Leguizamo, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Sasha Calle, Jacobi Jupe, and Carla Gugino.
Is The Exorcist: Martyrs connected to The Exorcist: Believer?
No, Mike Flanagan’s film is designed as a standalone story within the franchise universe and has no narrative connection to the 2023 sequel The Exorcist: Believer.
What inspired Mike Flanagan while making this movie?
Flanagan cited 1990’s The Exorcist III as a major inspiration, alongside classic crime thrillers like Se7en and The Silence of the Lambs, blending a police procedural with demonic terror.
