Scarlett Johansson has officially stepped into the world of demonic horror, and the first set photos from The Exorcist reboot directed by Mike Flanagan are already giving fans plenty to talk about. The images offer an early peek at the tone, cast dynamics, and atmosphere of what could be a major course correction for the franchise.
The newly surfaced shots capture Johansson in the middle of filming alongside Chiwetel Ejiofor and Rahul Kohli, and they paint a grounded, character-driven picture.
One moment shows the trio walking down an outdoor stairwell, while another features Johansson leaning against a car, looking deep in thought.
There’s also a scene where she’s engaged in conversation with Ejiofor, with Sasha Calle visible in the background, hinting at how these characters may intersect.
Johansson leads the story as a mother dealing with a terrifying supernatural presence, with Jacobi Jupe playing her son. Their relationship sits at the core of the narrative, which feels very much in line with Flanagan’s style of blending emotional storytelling with horror.
The supporting cast includes John Leguizamo, Laurence Fishburne, and Diane Lane, along with frequent Flanagan collaborators Carla Gugino and Kate Siegel.
Flanagan isn’t just directing, he’s also writing and producing, shaping the project from top to bottom. The film is backed by Blumhouse Productions, Atomic Monster, and Morgan Creek Entertainment, with Universal Pictures handling distribution. It’s currently set to hit theaters on March 12, 2027.
What makes this installment especially interesting is its approach to the franchise. Instead of serving as a direct sequel or remake, it exists within the same universe while telling a completely new story.
That creative freedom could be exactly what the series needs after The Exorcist: Believer struggled to win over audiences. Directed by David Gordon Green, that film received a negative response, with many fans feeling it didn’t capture the power of the original The Exorcist.
Because of that, expectations for Flanagan’s take are running high, but there’s also a sense of cautious optimism. Fans have started reacting to these early images, and while no one’s jumping to conclusions yet, there’s clear curiosity about how this version will turn out.
Johansson stepping into horror like this feels like a natural evolution for her career. She’s moved between indie dramas like Lost in Translation and Girl with a Pearl Earring and massive blockbuster roles as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, especially following Avengers: Endgame. Now, she’s diving into something darker and more unsettling.
