‘The Exorcist: Martyrs’ Teaser Featuring Scarlett Johansson Drops Ahead of Trailer Release

Few horror franchises hold as much significance as ‘The Exorcist.’ Since the debut of the original film, the series has spawned numerous sequels, spin-offs, and attempts to recapture its chilling essence, with varying degrees of success. The introduction of a new creative voice often brings a mix of excitement and apprehension.

This time, that voice is Mike Flanagan, the acclaimed director known for Netflix hits like ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ and ‘Midnight Mass.’ Flanagan has also been busy with other projects, including writing ‘Clayface’ and developing a new adaptation of ‘Carrie’ for television. His interpretation of the possession genre has now been officially unveiled.

Universal Pictures has released the first teaser for ‘The Exorcist: Martyrs,’ a brief 15-second glimpse ahead of the full trailer set to drop on Friday, October 9. The film features Scarlett Johansson and is scheduled to hit theaters on March 12, 2027. This marks the seventh installment in the franchise.

Mike Flanagan’s The Exorcist: Martyrs only in theaters March 12. Trailer out this Friday. https://t.co/KmzWwhUyyk

— The Exorcist Martyrs (@exorcistmartyrs) October 7, 2026

The teaser is atmospheric and unsettling. It begins with a shadowy stone staircase, featuring a solitary figure at the top, with the words “From writer director Mike Flanagan” illuminating the screen. The footage later showcases Johansson in character, a priest inside a grand church, and John Leguizamo restrained on an execution table.

First-look images provide additional context. One image depicts Johansson investigating a horrifying scene, while another features Chiwetel Ejiofor leading a prayer in a church. Some outlets have compared the film’s tone to ‘Se7en,’ which aligns with its blend of crime and demonic horror.

While no official synopsis has been released, reports offer intriguing details about the plot. Johansson portrays Julie Miller, a single-mother NYPD homicide detective who apprehended a notorious satanic serial killer named Father Sunday, played by Leguizamo, 13 years prior. After the killer’s execution, the murders persist, taking on a demonic nature.

As her past resurfaces, Miller’s 12-year-old son, Max, becomes the target of a menacing demonic force, played by Jacobi Jupe. Flanagan is reportedly treating the film as a crime procedural, merging possession horror with a serial-killer investigation.

Ejiofor and Laurence Fishburne play priests who assist Johansson’s investigation. Sasha Calle portrays a fellow detective, and Diane Lane also stars. The cast includes many of Flanagan’s regular collaborators, such as Rahul Kohli, Hamish Linklater, Carl Lumbly, Kate Siegel, Samantha Sloyan, and Carla Gugino.

This ensemble of returning actors is a significant draw for Flanagan’s fans. He has developed a reputation for working with a close-knit group of performers who understand his vision. Combining them with a star like Johansson adds both prestige and familiarity to the project.

Flanagan wrote and directed the film, produced by Blumhouse, Atomic Monster, and Morgan Creek Entertainment, in collaboration with his company Red Room Pictures. David Robinson, Jason Blum, and Flanagan serve as producers, while Alexandra Magistro and Ryan Turek are executive producers. Universal Pictures will distribute the film in theaters.

The project has faced some challenges on its journey to the screen, experiencing a few delays before this teaser was finally released. Nevertheless, early reactions online have been positive, with many viewers expressing their trust in Flanagan’s ability to handle this material.

Transforming a franchise defined by a singular possessed child into a serial-killer investigation is a bold move. It raises the stakes, as the detective must protect her son from a threat she cannot apprehend. This crime element could distinguish the film from its predecessors.

The wait for more information is brief. The full trailer is expected on Friday, which should reveal how much of the story Universal intends to share. For now, 15 seconds of shadows, stairs, and silence have already sparked conversation among horror enthusiasts.

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