Mike Flanagan-Directed ‘Exorcist’ to Release March 2026 as Blumhouse Overhauls Franchise Plans

“The Exorcist” universe will continue to expand thanks to “Doctor Sleep” and “The Fall of the House of Usher” visionary Mike Flanagan.

Flanagan has signed on to write, direct and produce what’s described as a “radical new take” on “The Exorcist” for Blumhouse and Morgan Creek. Universal has set the still-untitled feature for a March 13, 2026 theatrical release.

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“’The Exorcist’ is one of the reasons I became a filmmaker, and it is an honor to have the chance to try something fresh, bold, and terrifying within its universe,” Flanagan stated. “Reuniting with my friends at Blumhouse, with whom I’ve made some of my favorite pieces of work, only makes this more exciting.”

The new “Exorcist” movie will be produced by longtime collaborators Trevor Macy (on behalf of Intrepid Pictures) and Flanagan (via his new Red Room Pictures banner). John Scherer will also be working on the film on behalf of Intrepid. This film marks the fourth collaboration for Flanagan and Blumhouse; he wrote and directed 2013’s “Oculus,” 2016’s “Hush” and 2016’s “Ouija: Origin of Evil,” which were all also produced by Macy.

To note, Flanagan’s film is an all-new story, not a sequel to 2023’s “The Exorcist: Believer,” which has helmed by David Gordon Green. Green had planned to helm a trilogy of “Exorcist” movies, with a sequel “The Exorcist: Deceiver” scheduled to hit theaters in 2025, but he exited the franchise in January after “Believer” grossed $137 million globally, yet underperformed with critics.

“Mike’s voice and vision are indispensable for horror fans and we are excited to welcome him back to Blumhouse,” said Blumhouse founder and CEO Jason Blum. “I immediately responded to Mike’s new take on the world of ‘The Exorcist’ and can’t wait for audiences to experience it.”

Added Morgan Creek chairman and CEO David Robinson: “It’s an honor to be working with Mike. I think his vision for this franchise is going to stun audiences worldwide, and I could not be more excited to be working with him, Trevor, Jason and the entire Blumhouse team.

Flanagan and Macy — as well as Intrepid and Red Room, respectively — are represented by WME; Flanagan is also represented by VanderKloot Law; and Macy is repped by Reder & Feig.

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