Scarlett Johansson Faces a Possessed Serial Killer in 'The Exorcist: Martyrs' Trailer

Scarlett Johansson plays a homicide detective hunting a killer who may be acting under demonic influence in the first trailer for “The Exorcist: Martyrs,” which director Mike Flanagan and star Chiwetel Ejiofor unveiled at New York City Comic Con.

Universal will release the film in theaters on March 12, the studio confirmed at the convention panel.

According to the trailer's synopsis, Johansson stars as a homicide detective who soon realizes she is not dealing with a normal serial killer. The footage shows a series of gruesome murders committed inside a church, prompting her character to question whether the claims of previous killers, who alleged they were possessed by Satan, may have merit.

Ejiofor co-stars alongside Johansson. John Leguizamo, Laurence Fishburno, Diane Lane and Jacobi Jupe also appear in the film.

Flanagan, who directs from his own screenplay, told the NYCC audience that “The Exorcist: Martyrs” is the scariest project of his career.

“Unlike any other ‘Exorcist’ movie”

Flanagan said the film takes the franchise in a completely different direction from previous installments.

The film does not serve as a sequel to 2023's “The Exorcist: Believer.”

Universal acquired the rights to the “Exorcist” franchise for $400 million in 2021. The first film in the planned trilogy, “The Exorcist: Believer,” was released in 2023.

Flanagan produces alongside Jason Blum for Blumhouse. Trevor Macy produces for Intrepid Pictures.

The film was originally scheduled for release in 2025 but was delayed. Production is now expected to wrap in 2025 ahead of the March 2026 release.

“The Exorcist” franchise launched in 1973. William Friedkin's original film earned $441 million worldwide and received 10 Academy Award nominations.