The Exorcist: Scarlett Johansson Film Adds Laurence Fishburne to Cast

The upcoming film L’Exorciste, starring Scarlett Johansson, continues to expand its cast following the additions of Chiwetel Ejiofor and Diane Lane.

A New Chapter for a Classic

Despite the enduring legacy of William Friedkin’s original film, sequels to L’Exorciste have often drawn comparisons to less successful slasher franchises. Previous installments, including L’Exorciste 2 and 3, faced mixed reception, while others like L’Exorciste : au commencement and L’Exorciste : Dévotion also received scrutiny. The most recent film, directed by David Gordon Green, was described as both an artistic challenge and a box office disappointment, despite a substantial investment of approximately 400 million dollars by Universal and Blumhouse for the franchise rights.

Did You Know? The investment in the rights for The Exorcist franchise reached an estimated 400 million dollars.

The cancellation of the trilogy planned by David Gordon Green did not deter the studio from seeking to recoup its investment. Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House, Serments de minuit, Doctor Sleep) was selected to direct the new film, with Scarlett Johansson in the lead role, and the cast has now grown with the addition of a notable actor.

Expanding the Ensemble

The cast of the new Exorciste film is described as both exciting and prestigious, including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Diane Lane, and Jacobi Jupe (known for his role in Hamnet). Variety reports that Laurence Fishburne has also joined the project. This will be Fishburne’s first collaboration with Flanagan, who is known for working with actors across multiple projects, as evidenced by his previous work with Chiwetel Ejiofor on Life of Chuck.

Expert Insight: The addition of established actors like Laurence Fishburne suggests a commitment to quality and could signal confidence in the project’s script and direction, potentially aiming to distance itself from the reception of the previous installment.

The specific role Fishburne will play remains unknown, but there is speculation he could portray a priest delivering incantations in Latin. The story will center on a mother (Scarlett Johansson) and her son (Jacobi Jupe), who is expected to be possessed.

Laurence Fishburne rose to prominence through collaborations with Francis Ford Coppola (Apocalypse Now, Rusty James, Cotton Club) and films like La Couleur pourpre and Boyz N the Hood. He is widely recognized for his iconic role as Morpheus in Matrix, which led to subsequent character roles, including his work with Keanu Reeves in the John Wick saga.

Notably, Fishburne has not appeared in a horror film since Event Horizon. The film is currently scheduled for release on le 10 mars 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the status of the Exorcist franchise?

The planned trilogy by David Gordon Green was cancelled, but the studio intends to continue the franchise with a new film.

Who is directing the new Exorcist film?

Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House, Serments de minuit, Doctor Sleep) is directing the new film.

Who stars in the new Exorcist film?

Scarlett Johansson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Diane Lane, Jacobi Jupe, and Laurence Fishburne are all confirmed to star in the new film.

As the cast continues to assemble, what kind of story do you anticipate Flanagan will tell with this new iteration of The Exorcist?