Chiwetel Ejiofor Joins Scarlett Johansson in Blumhouse's 'Exorcist' Horror Movie: A Fresh Take on the Classic
Chiwetel Ejiofor is the latest actor to join the cast of Blumhouse-Atomic Monster and Morgan Creek Entertainment's upcoming horror film, 'The Exorcist'. This new take on the classic horror movie reunites Ejiofor with director Mike Flanagan, who has promised a bold and fresh approach to the material. Flanagan, who wrote the script and is directing and producing the film, has previously collaborated with Ejiofor on 'The Life of Chuck', an adaptation of a Stephen King story that won the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024.
The film is not a remake or a sequel but is set in the 'Exorcist' universe. Ejiofor joins a star-studded cast that includes Scarlett Johansson, Jacobi Jupe, and Diane Lane. Sources suggest that Ejiofor will play an ex-con turned priest, while Johansson portrays Jupe's mother. The original 'Exorcist', based on William Peter Blatty's novel and directed by William Friedkin, focused on the demonic possession of a young girl and the priests who tried to save her. It was nominated for 10 Oscars. Subsequent follow-ups have mostly centered on the girl (now grown-up) and the backstories of the priests.
Universal Pictures will release the film theatrically on March 12, 2027, and it is set to be filmed in New York City. The production involves a collaboration between Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, Morgan Creek Entertainment, and Flanagan's Red Room Pictures. David Robinson produces for Morgan Creek Entertainment, while Jason Blum and Ryan Turek serve as producer and executive producer, respectively, for Blumhouse-Atomic Monster. Alexandra Magistro will also executive produce for Red Room Pictures.
Ejiofor, known for his Oscar-nominated performance in '12 Years a Slave' and his roles in films like 'Children of Men', 'Love Actually', and 'Doctor Strange', was recently seen in 'Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy' and 'The Old Guard 2'. He is represented by Markham, Froggatt, and Irwin and Hirsch Wallerstein.
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