A new installment in "The Exorcist" franchise, starring Scarlett Johansson and Jacobi Jupe, is slated for release on March 12, 2027. Universal Pictures has confirmed the release date for Mike Flanagan's "radical new take" on the iconic horror property. Flanagan, known for his work on horror projects such as "The Haunting of Hill House," "Midnight Mass," and "Doctor Sleep," will write, direct, and produce the film.

The film is produced by Blumhouse-Atomic Monster and Morgan Creek Entertainment, in association with Red Room Pictures. Alexandra Magistro and Ryan Turek are executive producers, while Flanagan, Jason Blum, and David Robinson serve as producers.

This new "Exorcist" film is not intended to be a direct sequel to or continuation of 2023's "The Exorcist: Believer". "The Exorcist: Believer" saw the return of Ellen Burstyn, reprising her role as Chris MacNeil, and grossed $136 million worldwide. Universal paid approximately $400 million to secure the rights to the "Exorcist" franchise in 2021 to produce a new trilogy. However, following the poor reception of "The Exorcist: Believer," the studio pivoted and brought in Flanagan to revitalize the franchise.

Flanagan has stated that he was very aggressive in pursuing "The Exorcist" because he was convinced he had something new to add to the franchise. He aims to honor the original film while creating something that has never been done before within the series. He was given "total creative freedom" on the project by Universal and Blumhouse.

Scarlett Johansson's involvement marks her debut in a full-fledged horror feature. Jacobi Jupe is known for his role in "Hamnet". Production is scheduled to begin on February 23.

The original "Exorcist" film, directed by William Friedkin and released in 1973, is considered a horror classic. It grossed $441 million globally and received 10 Academy Award nominations. The film's narrative revolves around Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn), who seeks the help of Catholic priests to exorcise her 12-year-old daughter, Reagan (Linda Blair), who is possessed by a demonic entity. Flanagan's film will be the seventh installment in the "Exorcist" series, or the eighth if you count the short-lived "Exorcist" TV series that ran on Fox in the mid-2010s.

The director is also working on a reboot of Stephen King's "Carrie" and a television adaptation of King's "The Dark Tower" book series.