Filmmaker Mike Flanagan has officially released the first video clip for his upcoming horror film reboot, temporarily titled The Exorcist: Martyrs. The teaser arrives ahead of the project’s full debut trailer release scheduled for Friday, offering fans an initial glimpse into the highly anticipated franchise revival.
A Fresh Take on a Horror Legend
According to reports from Dark Horizons, the upcoming film operates as a complete franchise reboot. This creative direction grants Flanagan full freedom to redefine the story away from traditional horror tropes. Universal Pictures has scheduled the theatrical release for March 12, 2027, following production delays that pushed the film back from its original window.
The narrative centers on a single-mother police officer, played by Scarlett Johansson, who investigates a series of new homicides. Her past investigation links back 13 years to when she captured a satanic serial killer named Father Sunday, played by John Leguizamo. During the new inquiry, her 12-year-old son, played by Jacobi Jupe, becomes the target of a demonic entity. Meanwhile, actor Chiwetel Ejiofor portrays a priest connected to the police inquiry.
Star-Studded Cast and Familiar Collaborators
The expansive cast also features prominent names such as Laurence Fishburne, Diane Lane, and Sasha Calle. Additionally, the film includes several recurring actors from Flanagan’s prior television and film projects, including Rahul Kohli, Carla Gugino, and Kate Siegel. Behind the camera, longtime collaborator Michael Fimognari serves as the director of photography, having previously shot seven of Flanagan’s nine feature films.
Universal and Blumhouse-Atomic Monster are producing the film following their $400 million acquisition of the franchise rights in 2021. The reboot follows the 2023 release of The Exorcist: Believer, though Flanagan’s film stands apart as a fresh chapter rather than a direct sequel.
Flanagan’s Vision for the Franchise
Flanagan previously stated that his goal is to craft the scariest movie of his career. He aims to execute concepts that have never been done within the franchise before, honoring the legacy of William Friedkin’s 1973 original while steering clear of reliance on pure nostalgia.
Production for the reboot officially kicked off in New York City, marking another major milestone for Flanagan following his work on the upcoming Carrie television adaptation for Amazon Prime Video. Fans can expect the first official trailer to drop imminently as the promotional campaign for the 2027 release ramps up.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Exorcist Reboot
When is Mike Flanagan’s The Exorcist reboot releasing?
Universal Pictures has scheduled the theatrical release for March 12, 2027.
Who stars in the new Exorcist film?
The cast is led by Scarlett Johansson, alongside Chiwetel Ejiofor, John Leguizamo, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Jacobi Jupe, Sasha Calle, and Carla Gugino.
Is this film a direct sequel to The Exorcist: Believer?
No, Mike Flanagan’s project is a complete franchise reboot with a brand-new story that steps away from previous sequels.
What is the plot of the movie?
The story follows a single-mother police officer, played by Johansson, investigating new homicides connected to a satanic serial killer she caught 13 years prior, while her 12-year-old son becomes targeted by a demonic entity.
Who is producing the film?
The project is produced by Jason Blum via Blumhouse Productions in partnership with Atomic Monster and Universal Pictures.
