Get ready for a spine-chilling return to the world of demonic possession—Diane Lane is joining the cast of Mike Flanagan’s upcoming The Exorcist film, and this news is sending shockwaves through the horror community. But here’s where it gets controversial: this isn’t a sequel to The Exorcist: Believer (2023), but rather a completely new story set within the same chilling universe. What does this mean for the franchise? Only time will tell.
Lane, an Oscar nominee and Emmy-nominated powerhouse known for her roles in Feud: Capote vs. The Swans and Anniversary, will star alongside Scarlett Johansson and Jacobi Jupe in this highly anticipated installment. While details about her role remain shrouded in mystery, one thing is clear: Flanagan, the mastermind behind hits like The Haunting of Hill House and Doctor Sleep, is crafting a fresh narrative that promises to terrify audiences all over again.
And this is the part most people miss: Flanagan isn’t just directing—he’s also penning the script and producing through his Red Room Pictures banner, alongside heavyweights like David Robinson of Morgan Creek Entertainment and Jason Blum of Blumhouse-Atomic Monster. With production set in New York City, the film is already shaping up to be a cinematic event.
Universal has slated the release for March 12, 2027, giving fans plenty of time to speculate about what horrors await. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Can a new Exorcist film truly capture the essence of the original while breaking new ground? Or is it destined to fall short of the iconic 1973 classic? Let’s debate in the comments!
Lane’s recent projects, including Jan Komasa’s Anniversary and Ryan Murphy’s Feud, have solidified her status as a versatile and commanding actress. Her addition to The Exorcist universe feels like a perfect match, though it’s worth noting that her role in a horror franchise marks a departure from her more dramatic work. Could this be a game-changer for her career? Only time will tell.
With Flanagan’s track record of blending psychological depth with bone-chilling horror, this new Exorcist film is poised to be more than just a scarefest—it could be a cultural phenomenon. But will it live up to the hype? One thing’s for sure: March 2027 can’t come soon enough. What are your thoughts? Are you excited, skeptical, or somewhere in between? Let’s discuss!
