Horror enthusiasts, brace yourselves. The release date for Mike Flanagan’s highly anticipated reimagining of “The Exorcist” has been officially announced. Universal Pictures revealed that the film will hit theaters on March 13, 2026, which intriguingly falls on a Friday the 13th. This spine-chilling date seems perfect for a horror film of this magnitude.
Flanagan, known for his work on “Doctor Sleep,” “The Haunting of Hill House,” and “Midnight Mass,” is set to bring a fresh and radical new take to the iconic franchise. This announcement comes after a series of setbacks for the “Exorcist” series, particularly following the lukewarm reception of “The Exorcist: Believer” last year. Despite the film’s attempt to revive the franchise, it garnered mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office, earning $137 million worldwide against a $30 million budget.
Blumhouse Productions and Morgan Creek, the studios behind the new “Exorcist” trilogy, have high hopes for Flanagan’s vision. Jason Blum, CEO of Blumhouse, expressed his excitement, stating, “Mike’s voice and vision are indispensable for horror fans, and we are excited to welcome him back to Blumhouse. I immediately responded to Mike’s new take on the world of ‘The Exorcist’ and can’t wait for audiences to experience it.”
Flanagan’s involvement marks a significant shift in direction for the franchise. His film will not be a sequel to “The Exorcist: Believer” but rather a standalone story set within the “Exorcist” universe. This new approach aims to breathe fresh life into the series, which has struggled to recapture the magic of the original 1973 film.
Flanagan himself is thrilled to take on this project. “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,” he said. “Reuniting with my friends at Blumhouse, with whom I’ve made some of my favorite pieces of work, only makes this more exciting.”
The film will be produced by Flanagan’s longtime collaborator Trevor Macy for Intrepid Pictures, along with Flanagan for his Red Room Pictures, and Jason Blum for Blumhouse. This collaboration promises to bring a unique and terrifying vision to the screen, one that fans of the genre are eagerly awaiting.
Flanagan’s track record in the horror genre is impressive. He has successfully adapted Stephen King’s works, such as “Doctor Sleep” and “Gerald’s Game,” and created beloved horror series like “The Haunting of Hill House” and “The Fall of the House of Usher.” His ability to craft compelling and terrifying narratives makes him the perfect choice to helm this new “Exorcist” film.
The announcement of Flanagan’s involvement comes after a tumultuous period for the “Exorcist” franchise. Universal’s $400 million deal with Morgan Creek to produce a trilogy of “Exorcist” films faced significant challenges following the disappointing performance of “The Exorcist: Believer.” The film, directed by David Gordon Green, failed to meet expectations, leading to a reevaluation of the franchise’s direction.
With Flanagan at the helm, there is renewed hope for the “Exorcist” series. His fresh perspective and innovative approach are expected to reinvigorate the franchise and deliver a film that will captivate audiences worldwide. David Robinson, Chairman and CEO of Morgan Creek, expressed his confidence in Flanagan’s vision, saying, “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.”
As the release date approaches, anticipation for Flanagan’s “The Exorcist” continues to build. Horror fans are eager to see how he will reinterpret the classic story and bring new nightmares to the screen. With a release date set for March 13, 2026, the countdown has officially begun for what promises to be a thrilling and terrifying cinematic experience.
