Scarlett Johansson summons new terror in bold ‘The Exorcist’ rebirth

Scarlett Johansson is prepared to enter a wholly different zone, that of terror-the domain of ‘The Exorcist’. The A-lister from Hollywood will star in a new version of the horror classic for Universal and Blumhouse-Atomic Monster.

The new movie takes place within the same world as the classic 1973 ‘Exorcist’ but will not be a sequel to ‘The Exorcist: Believer’.

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Details of the story are still being kept under wraps. The makers haven’t revealed any of the remaining cast. The only things confirmed so far are that the shoot will take place in New York City.

At the helm of this project is filmmaker Mike Flanagan known for his mastery of horror storytelling. Flanagan has written, will direct, and is producing this new chapter which is being described as a “radical new take” on ‘The Exorcist’ universe.

Previous works by King include ‘Doctor Sleep’, ‘The Haunting of Hill House’, and ‘The Life of Chuck’, all of which establish his signature combination of emotion and spine-tingling fear.

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Flanagan said of the actor’s joining the film, “Scarlett is a brilliant actress whose performances always feel honest and powerful. I couldn’t be happier to have her in this ‘Exorcist’ film.”

William Friedkin’s original ‘Exorcist’ was a chilling story about a desperate mother seeking the help of two priests to save her daughter, who had been possessed by a demon. Released in 1973, it became an instant sensation making $441 million at the box office and securing 10 Oscar nominations.

Johansson herself is coming off a huge year. Her recent film ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ roared at the global box office with $868 million. Earlier this year, she also stepped behind the camera for her directorial debut, ‘Eleanor the Great’. It is a warm and charming dramedy starring June Squibb. Her trajectory in Hollywood has been nothing short of stellar: one of the highest-grossing lead actresses ever, with a BAFTA, a Tony Award, and several Oscar and Golden Globe nominations.

And she’s not slowing down. Following ‘The Exorcist’, Johansson can be heard in the animated adventure ‘Ray Gunn’, directed by Brad Bird. She voices a character alongside Sam Rockwell and Jamie Costa. She’ll also appear in ‘Paper Tiger’ with Adam Driver and Miles Teller.