Laurence Fishburne Joins Scarlett Johansson in Mike Flanagan's 'The Exorcist'

Summary

• Laurence Fishburne has officially joined the cast of Mike Flanagan’s upcoming The Exorcist film

• The Oscar nominee joins a high-profile ensemble that already includes Scarlett Johansson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Diane Lane, and Jacobi Jupe

• The project is described as an entirely new story within the universe rather than a sequel to 2023’s “The Exorcist: Believer”

Mike Flanagan’s highly anticipated reimagining of The Exorcist has added a major pillar of gravitas to its cast with the addition of Laurence Fishburne. Variety confirmed on February 5, 2026, sees the Academy Award nominee and Tony winner joining a powerhouse roster led by Scarlett Johansson. Produced by Blumhouse, Atomic Monster, and Morgan Creek for Universal Pictures, the film represents a pivot for the legendary horror franchise after the mixed reception of 2023’s legacy sequel. Flanagan, the mastermind behind The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass, is set to write and direct what he has called a “fresh, bold, and terrifying” new chapter.

While Fishburne’s specific role is currently being kept under wraps, his inclusion brings nearly five decades of genre-spanning experience to the production—from the visceral sci-fi horror of “Event Horizon” to the iconic mentorship of Morpheus in “The Matrix.” Early rumors and reports from sources like The Hollywood Reporter suggest the film centers on a mother (Johansson) and her possessed son (Jupe), with Chiwetel Ejiofor playing an ex-con turned priest. Fishburne’s character is speculated to be a veteran figure of authority, with some industry insiders suggesting a role as a senior detective or a seasoned spiritual advisor.

The production is slated to shoot in New York City, marking a departure from the franchise’s typical suburban or international settings. Flanagan has been vocal about distancing this project from recent installments, emphasizing that his script is not a continuation of the David Gordon Green timeline but rather a standalone story that “honors what came before it but isn’t built on nostalgia.” This strategy aligns with Flanagan’s track record of blending deep character study with supernatural dread, a formula that helped revitalize the “Shining” universe with 2019’s “Doctor Sleep.”

Universal Pictures has high stakes in the revival, following the shelving of a planned trilogy after “Believer’s” underperformance. With four Oscar nominees now in the lead cast (Johansson, Fishburne, Ejiofor, and Lane), the studio is positioning the film as a prestige horror event rather than a standard slasher or jump-fare flick. The release is set for March 2027.