Universal Delays Mike Flanagan’s ‘The Exorcist’ Reboot to 2027
Horror fans anticipating Mike Flanagan’s take on one of cinema’s most terrifying properties will have to wait a little longer. Universal Pictures officially announced Friday that the release of Flanagan’s highly anticipated new iteration of The Exorcist, set to star Scarlett Johansson, has been pushed back a full year. The film, initially expected in early 2026, is now scheduled to hit theaters on March 12, 2027.
This delay, though frustrating for those eager to see the master of modern psychological horror tackle William Friedkin’s classic, signals the studio’s commitment to ensuring the project meets extremely high expectations. Flanagan, known for critically acclaimed Netflix series like The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass, is not just directing but is also writing and producing what Universal has billed as a “radical redo” of the 1973 original.
Why the Extra Year of Wait?
While studios rarely give specific reasons for shifting tentpole releases, a year-long delay often suggests one of three things: optimizing the production schedule, accommodating major star availability (like Johansson’s busy schedule), or, most likely in this case, dedication to extensive post-production and visual effects to get the horror exactly right. Following the critical and commercial disappointment of David Gordon Green’s recent Blumhouse attempt at revitalizing the franchise, Universal is undoubtedly cautious about how the property is handled moving forward.
Flanagan’s involvement alone has renewed significant hope in the franchise. His masterful approach to character-driven horror, blending deep emotional trauma with genuine scares, seems perfectly suited to the themes of faith, loss, and possession inherent in The Exorcist lore. The original film remains a benchmark for horror cinema, and Flanagan’s challenge is to find a modern, terrifying, and respectful entry point without relying purely on nostalgia.
A New Direction for a Classic
The casting of Scarlett Johansson further indicates that this will be a high-profile, prestige horror event. Johansson is known for choosing complex, demanding roles, and her presence suggests that this new installment aims for more than just jump scares. Fans are speculating that the ‘radical redo’ might explore new facets of the possession mythos or perhaps focus more heavily on the psychological terror associated with the spiritual battle.
While 2027 feels like a distant date, E-Blogarithm remains excited about the potential this collaboration holds. The additional time may allow Flanagan the creative freedom necessary to deliver a film worthy of the legacy it inherits. We will continue to track updates as they are released. For more details on the schedule change, see the original report by Deadline.
March 2027 might be far off, but for a true Mike Flanagan horror masterpiece, the wait may very well be worth the demonic possession.
