Universal has confirmed the rumors: Mike Flanagan will be helming a new Exorcist movie. This news follows the exit of David Gordon Green after last year’s The Exorcist: Believer did not capture the audience’s interest as anticipated.
Set to release on March 13, 2026, a Friday the 13th, the timing is undeniably intriguing, offering a fresh atmosphere outside the typical October horror window. Flanagan remarked, 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
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A Fresh Direction for The Exorcist
This upcoming film will not be connected to 2023’s The Exorcist: Believer. Instead, Flanagan plans to introduce new twists to the franchise, stepping away from Blumhouse’s original plan for sequels that followed Believer. The focus on innovation is clear.
Cast and Characters Return
Fans will be delighted to see familiar faces. Ann Dowd and Ellen Burstyn are set to appear in this new project. Burstyn returns as Chris MacNeil, linking the film back to the roots of the saga.
Setting Reveals Build Anticipation
A recent reveal by Blumhouse shows a set seemingly taking place in a dining room—this first look raises curiosity about how Flanagan will handle the location’s ambiance and terror elements.
Previous Releases and New Trends
The franchise has seen varying release seasons: from the classic 1973 debut in December to various summer openings for others. Releasing it in March may seem risky, but historical successes with off-season releases show potential.
A Calculated Risk for Universal and Blumhouse
Flanagan’s career includes a track record of successful spring releases; his 2014 hit Oculus is a prime example. March 2026 is relatively free from competing horror releases, paving a clear path for success.
Flanagan’s departure from Netflix to Amazon has led him to several promising projects, with this Exorcist entry being highly anticipated. As Universal and Blumhouse continue experimenting with non-traditional release windows, expectations are high that Flanagan’s installment will be another unique addition to his impressive portfolio.
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