The new Exorcist movie is highly anticipated, largely because of the talented team behind it. Well-known horror director Mike Flanagan is writing and directing, bringing his unique storytelling style to a franchise that hasn’t always delivered consistent quality. The film already stars Scarlett Johansson and Jacobi Jupe, promising strong performances alongside the supernatural scares. And as filming nears, the cast is growing with the addition of another Academy Award nominee.
Diane Lane is joining the cast of Mike Flanagan’s upcoming film, The Exorcist, in a key role that hasn’t been revealed yet, according to Deadline. Lane is a highly acclaimed actress, receiving an Oscar nomination for her work in the 2002 thriller Unfaithful. Comic book fans will recognize her as Martha Kent from Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. She recently showcased her talent for complex characters in the FX series Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, which suggests she’ll be a strong fit for the intense emotional demands of The Exorcist.
Why Is Mike Flanagan’s The Exorcist Such an Exciting Project?
The Exorcist series has had a bumpy ride since the original, critically acclaimed 1973 film. While the first movie remains iconic, later sequels and prequels often lacked the same psychological impact. The recent film, The Exorcist: Believer, was meant to start a new trilogy, but it received negative reviews and didn’t perform well at the box office. Rather than continuing with that storyline, the studio decided to cancel the planned trilogy and give director Mike Flanagan a chance to create a fresh, independent story. This allows Flanagan to start over and avoid being weighed down by the failures of recent installments.
Mike Flanagan consistently creates horror that is both genuinely scary and thoughtfully adapted, as seen in projects like The Fall of House Usher, The Haunting of Hill House, and Gerald’s Game. He also demonstrated his talent for working within existing franchises—and balancing different creative visions—with Doctor Sleep. This makes him a perfect fit for revisiting The Exorcist. Flanagan understands that truly effective horror comes from connecting with characters and portraying their struggles realistically. The original Exorcist worked so well because audiences cared about the MacNeil family, and Flanagan’s focus on character development suggests he’ll bring that same emotional depth to this new take.
The new Exorcist film is attracting a very talented cast, which is a great indication of its potential quality. Actors like Johansson and Lane bring the seriousness and depth needed to portray characters battling immense evil. Their involvement suggests the movie will focus on the psychological tension of the original, rather than just relying on typical, over-the-top exorcism scenes. With a highly respected director and a cast full of acclaimed actors, it seems The Exorcist is finally being made by the right creative team.
The Exorcist is scheduled to be released in theaters on March 12, 2027.
Is Mike Flanagan the best person to revitalize The Exorcist movies? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!
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2026-01-28 15:10