Universal Will Release Mike Flanagan Exorcist Film in 2027

The horror project is set to hit theaters on March 12, 2027, as an original story in the franchise.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Horror

Graphic horror illustration of a wooden crucifix casting a sharp, elongated shadow against a dark textured wall. — Universal Pictures has scheduled a new, original Exorcist film directed by Mike Flanagan for theatrical release on March 12, 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Universal has scheduled an original installment in The Exorcist universe, directed by Mike Flanagan, for a theatrical release on March 12, 2027. This project follows the conclusion of production in June 2026.

Why it matters

The studio pivoted to this original story after cancelling plans for a sequel to 2023's The Exorcist: Believer. The new film seeks to revitalize the franchise through a fresh narrative approach rather than direct sequels or remakes.

The production team finished filming in June 2026, pivoting away from the trajectory established by 2023's The Exorcist: Believer. The project officially occupies the March 12, 2027, slot on Universal's theatrical release calendar.

The players

Mike Flanagan

He is the filmmaker who developed this original take on The Exorcist franchise.

Universal

This major film studio is responsible for the development and distribution of the movie.

Scarlett Johansson

She is an acclaimed actress who serves as a member of the new film's ensemble cast.

Laurence Fishburne

He is a veteran actor who joins the cast for this new production.

The details

The new film is an original story that functions independently of the 1973 original and the recent Believer installment. The ensemble cast features Scarlett Johansson, Diane Lane, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Laurence Fishburne, Sasha Calle, and John Leguizamo.

The original film in the series was released in 1973.
The Exorcist: Believer premiered in 2023.
Filming for the upcoming project concluded in June 2026.
The new film will arrive in theaters on March 12, 2027.

Industry Dynamics

This release reflects a broader trend in Hollywood where studios pivot away from failing legacy sequels in favor of original filmmaker-driven visions. It signals a move to abandon the interconnected franchise model in favor of standalone projects intended to reinvigorate dormant horror properties.

Audiences can expect this title to arrive exclusively in theaters on its March 2027 release date. The shift to an original story suggests viewers will not need to have seen the recent 2023 installment to follow the new narrative.

The takeaway

The studio is prioritizing original storytelling to move past the mixed reception of recent franchise entries. This strategy highlights a growing industry preference for singular horror visions over expanding existing sequel pipelines.