Director Mike Flanagan is finalizing the cast for the new installment of the horror film 'The Exorcist' for Blumhouse and Universal. According to industry sources, 11 of his regular collaborators have joined the project, including Kate Siegel and Rahul Kohli, as well as actors known from other productions, such as John Leguizamo. It was previously announced that Scarlett Johansson will play the lead role. The film is intended to be a feature-length reboot of the iconic series and is scheduled for release in October 2026.

Flanagan's Regular Cast

Eleven frequent collaborators of the director have joined the film, including his wife Kate Siegel as well as Rahul Kohli, Henry Thomas, and Samantha Sloyan. These actors regularly appear in his projects, from 'The Haunting of Hill House' to 'Midnight Mass'.

New Names in the Project

Beyond the regular team, John Leguizamo has joined the cast. Previously, Scarlett Johansson's involvement was confirmed; she is to play the lead role of a mother fighting for her daughter possessed by a demon.

Concept and Release Date

The film is a feature-length reboot of the 'Exorcist' series, not another sequel. The production is handled by Blumhouse and Universal, and the planned theatrical premiere is set for October 16, 2026.

Director Mike Flanagan, known for horror films such as The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass, is intensively working on a new installment of the iconic 'Exorcist' series. The project, overseen by Blumhouse and Universal, has gained key cast members. As reported by Deadline, Flanagan has brought 11 of his regular collaborators onto the film. Among them are Kate Siegel (the director's wife), Rahul Kohli, Henry Thomas, Samantha Sloyan, Annabeth Gish, Robert Longstreet, Matt Biedel, Sauriyan Sapkota, Katie Parker, Alex Essoe, and Michael Trucco. These actors form a kind of permanent Flanagan ensemble, appearing in many of his productions, which has become a characteristic trademark of the creator. Simultaneously, as exclusively reported by The Hollywood Reporter, John Leguizamo has joined the project. His role has not yet been revealed. Previously, in late February, it was confirmed that Scarlett Johansson will play the lead role in the film. She will portray a mother whose daughter becomes possessed by a demonic force, forcing her to seek help from a priest-exorcist. This key plot element directly references the original 1973 film. The new 'Exorcist' is intended to be a feature-length reboot of the series, not a continuation of recent sequels. The producers are Jason Blum from Blumhouse, David Robinson from Morgan Creek Entertainment, and Flanagan himself along with his partner from Intrepid Pictures, Trevor Macy. The original 'The Exorcist', directed by William Friedkin, based on the novel by William Peter Blatty, premiered in 1973 and immediately became a cult horror film and cultural phenomenon, winning two Oscars and setting new standards for the genre. The series spawned several sequels and prequels with varying receptions, and the franchise rights were acquired by Universal and Blumhouse in 2023 for $400 million with the intention of refreshing it. The planned theatrical release date is October 16, 2026. The news of casting Johansson and Leguizamo garnered significant media interest, while the information about Flanagan's regular team joining, though less spectacular, is important for fans of his auteur style, who expect a similar, characteristic atmosphere and depth in the new project.

Mentioned People

  • Mike Flanagan — Director and screenwriter of the new film 'The Exorcist', known for horror films 'The Haunting of Hill House' and 'Midnight Mass'.
  • Scarlett Johansson — Actress who will play the lead role of the mother in the new 'Exorcist'.
  • John Leguizamo — Actor who has joined the cast of the new film 'The Exorcist'; his role is not yet known.
  • Kate Siegel — Actress, wife of Mike Flanagan, frequent collaborator, has joined the cast.
  • Rahul Kohli — Actor, frequent collaborator of Flanagan, has joined the cast of the new 'Exorcist'.
  • Jason Blum — Film producer, founder of Blumhouse Productions, producer of the new 'Exorcist'.