Mike Flanagan’s Exorcist Became a More Serious Horror Thanks to Laurence Fishburne’s Casting

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The franchise has existed for over fifty years, experiencing varying levels of success, but recently it hasn’t resonated with audiences. Now, a new filmmaker is hoping to revitalize it with a bold and innovative approach.

Mike Flanagan has become a leading horror director with critically acclaimed series like The Haunting of Hill House, Doctor Sleep, and Midnight Mass. He’s now working on a new version of The Exorcist and has assembled a strong cast. According to reports, Laurence Fishburne has recently joined the project.

The story began in 1973 with a film based on William Peter Blatty’s 1971 novel, and that novel later got two follow-up books. The film series continued with three more movies, but they weren’t as successful as the first ones.

Mike Flanagan, a dedicated horror enthusiast, is pulling out all the stops to ensure his next project is a success. He’s assembled a particularly impressive cast, including veteran actor Laurence Fishburne, who has received Academy Award, Emmy Award, and Tony Award nominations and wins.

Laurence Fishburne is joining Scarlett Johansson, who was the first actor cast in the film. They’ll be joined by rising star Jacobi Jupe, known for his role in Hamnet, and acclaimed actors Chiwetel Ejiofor and Diane Lane.

Mike Flanagan excels at building stories around compelling characters, and he seems to be refocusing the franchise on actors who can deliver strong dramatic performances, with horror as a secondary element. He’s known for blending traditional scares with deeper character development, as demonstrated in series like The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass, and The Fall of the House of Usher.

Past efforts to capture this feeling haven’t worked. While director Mike Flanagan hasn’t rebooted a major franchise, he did direct Doctor Sleep, a sequel to the iconic horror film The Shining. Though Doctor Sleep wasn’t a box office hit, it wasn’t due to the film’s quality. Despite receiving excellent reviews and holding up well over time, the marketing didn’t effectively connect it to the original Shining franchise.

Mike Flanagan often works with Stephen King, a relationship showcased in his recent book, The Life of Chuck. King clearly supports Flanagan’s work, as demonstrated by Flanagan’s upcoming projects: a Carrie limited series for Prime Video and a Dark Tower television show.

Mike Flanagan’s The Exorcist hits theaters on Mar. 12, 2027.

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2026-02-05 22:09