AceShowbiz - Filming is officially underway on Mike Flanagan's The Exorcist, the highly anticipated reboot of the iconic 53-year-old horror franchise. Director and writer Mike Flanagan confirmed the start of production with an Instagram post showing a film slate captioned, "Day 1... here we go. #theexorcist." The photo, taken in New York City, marks the beginning of a new chapter for the legendary series, which is slated for a theatrical release on March 12, 2027, via Universal Pictures.

The project, previously described as a "fresh, bold" new take, has assembled an impressively deep and star-studded cast. The ensemble features Scarlett Johansson, Diane Lane, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, alongside Laurence Fishburne and John Leguizamo. Flanagan's frequent collaborators are also heavily represented, including Rahul Kohli, Hamish Linklater, Carl Lumbly, Sasha Calle, Samantha Sloyan, Kate Siegel, and Carla Gugino. The cast further includes Benjamin Pajak, Gil Bellows, John Gallagher Jr., Robert Longstreet, Matt Biedel, and breakout star Jacobi Jupe.

Behind the camera, Flanagan is directing from his own screenplay and also serving as an executive producer. He is reuniting with cinematographer Michael Fimognari, who previously worked with the filmmaker on Gerald's Game and Doctor Sleep. The film is being produced by Jason Blum through his Blumhouse Productions banner. While concrete plot and character details remain under wraps, it has been confirmed that the film will tell a brand-new story, standing apart from previous entries. It is rumored to potentially be titled The Exorcist: Martyrs, though this has not been officially confirmed by the studio.

This new film will become the seventh installment in the long-running The Exorcist franchise and the first since the release of The Exorcist: Believer in 2023. The commencement of principal photography follows closely on the heels of another major Flanagan project wrapping production. The filmmaker recently completed work on a new eight-episode miniseries adaptation of Stephen King's Carrie for Prime Video in October 2025.

Notably, there is some crossover between the casts of these two high-profile Flanagan horror projects. Samantha Sloyan, who is part of The Exorcist ensemble, is playing Margaret White in the Carrie series. Kate Siegel also appears in both productions, though her specific roles in each remain unknown. The Carrie series stars Summer H. Howell as the titular Carrie White and Siena Agudong as Sue Snell, with Katee Sackhoff in an undisclosed role. Both Agudong and Sackhoff expressed enthusiasm for Flanagan's new project in the comments of his Instagram announcement.

Mike Flanagan's The Exorcist represents a temporary departure from the director's prolific work adapting the stories of Stephen King, though he remains deeply involved in that realm. Beyond the Carrie miniseries, he is actively developing a television series based on King's The Dark Tower books and a new adaptation of The Mist. His previous King adaptations include the feature films Gerald's Game and Doctor Sleep, as well as the recent The Life of Chuck.

Flanagan's rise to prominence has been significantly fueled by his successful original horror series for Netflix, including The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass, and The Fall of the House of Usher. This consistent output of critically acclaimed and audience-beloved genre work has cemented his reputation as one of the leading creative voices in modern horror. This track record only amplifies the considerable anticipation surrounding his bold reimagining of one of horror cinema's most foundational and terrifying franchises.

The original The Exorcist, directed by William Friedkin and released in 1973, is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential horror films ever made. Its cultural impact was immediate and profound, sparking widespread controversy and audience reactions that have become the stuff of Hollywood legend. Attempts to expand and continue the story have met with varying levels of success over the subsequent five decades, making the prospect of a full reboot from a filmmaker of Flanagan's caliber a particularly significant event for the genre.

The combination of Flanagan's distinct atmospheric and character-driven horror sensibilities with the deep-seated mythological terror of The Exorcist universe presents a fascinating creative fusion. Fans and critics alike will be keen to see how the director approaches themes of faith, doubt, and supernatural evil that are central to the franchise's identity. His proven ability to craft emotionally resonant stories alongside genuine scares suggests a reboot that may honor the psychological depth of the original while forging its own distinct path.

With production now actively rolling in New York City, the journey toward the March 2027 release date has formally begun. The extensive cast list indicates a story with a broad scope and multiple key characters, a hallmark of Flanagan's ensemble-driven narratives. The involvement of Blumhouse ensures the project has a powerful production partner with extensive experience and success in the horror genre, from micro-budget breakouts to major franchise plays.

As the film moves through its shooting schedule, further details regarding the plot, the confirmed title, and the specific roles of its major stars will undoubtedly emerge. For now, the horror community and cinema fans can mark their calendars for a major theatrical event in early 2027. The start of filming on Mike Flanagan's The Exorcist signals not just the revival of a classic franchise, but the next major endeavor from a filmmaker at the peak of his creative powers, aiming to leave a new mark on a timeless tale of possession and terror.