First Look: Scarlett Johansson and Chiwetel Ejiofor Bring Tense Drama to 'The Exorcist' Set

See the first photos of a makeup-free Scarlett Johansson on the NYC set of Mike Flanagan’s upcoming 'The Exorcist' reboot alongside Chiwetel Ejiofor.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 19, 2026, 9:43 AM EDT

Source: Page Six

A Gritty Afternoon in NYC

The production transformed a section of Manhattan into a tense crime scene, complete with yellow police tape and a fleet of officer extras. Johansson was joined by co-star Chiwetel Ejiofor, 48, for a sequence that appeared to involve a heated or worried exchange outside a cordoned-off building. Sporting a red button-up shirt, a long coat, and sneakers, Johansson’s look fits her character profile: a mother caught in the center of a supernatural storm. Actor Jacobi Jupe was also on hand, portraying her on-screen son.

Flanagan’s New Vision

Unlike 2023’s The Exorcist: Believer, which served as a direct legacy sequel, Flanagan’s project is being billed as a fresh start within the Exorcist universe. Since joining the project in late 2025, Flanagan—the creator behind The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass—has emphasized a new storyline that moves away from recent iterations. "Scarlett is a brilliant actress whose captivating performances always feel grounded," Flanagan stated. The film's heavy-hitting ensemble also includes Carla Gugino, Diana Lane, John Leguizamo, and Hamish Linklater.

The Legacy of the 1973 Original

The pressure on this reboot is significant given the status of the 1973 original. Directed by William Friedkin, the first film remains a cultural touchstone, having earned $441 million globally and two Academy Awards. By casting high-caliber dramatic actors like Johansson and Ejiofor, the production seems intent on recapturing the psychological weight and prestige of the original Friedkin film, rather than relying solely on jump scares or modern slasher tropes.