Esquire magazine has published new images from the upcoming instalment of the "The Exorcist" franchise, featuring Marvel Cinematic Universe star Scarlett Johansson in a leading role. The newly released photographs show Johansson and her fellow cast members in character for the highly anticipated horror project.
Johansson, widely recognised for her portrayal of Black Widow in the "Avengers" series and numerous Academy Award nominated performances, takes on a central part in the new film. "The Exorcist" franchise began with the groundbreaking 1973 original directed by William Friedkin, adapted from William Peter Blatty's bestselling novel. The original film became a cultural phenomenon, terrifying audiences and defining the demonic possession subgenre of horror for decades. It has since spawned numerous sequels and prequels of varying critical reception. However, details about the exact nature of Johansson's character remain undisclosed, as the plot of the new film is currently unknown.
Fresh start for franchise
The creators of the film have previously stated that this new project will represent a significant departure from other entries in the series. According to the authors, the upcoming movie will not be connected to any of the previous parts of the long running franchise, signalling a completely fresh start for the property rather than a direct continuation of previous storylines.
Cast and director
Alongside Johansson, the cast includes Laurence Fishburne, best known for his iconic role as Morpheus in "The Matrix" science fiction series, and young actor Jacobi Jupe, who recently appeared in "Hamnet".
The project is directed by Mike Flanagan, a filmmaker who has built a strong reputation in the modern horror genre. Flanagan is known for his critically acclaimed television series and his feature film adaptations of Stephen King novels, including "Doctor Sleep" and "The Life of Chuck".
The film is scheduled to arrive in international cinemas on March 12, 2027.
