Universal Pictures has officially pulled back the curtain on one of the most anticipated horror releases of the decade, revealing the debut trailer and promotional poster for The Exorcist: Martyrs. The dark supernatural crime thriller is scheduled to land exclusively in theaters on March 12, 2027. At the time of this announcement, the Motion Picture Association has not yet issued an official rating for the motion picture.
A Master of Horror Tackles a Legendary Franchise
Guiding this terrifying new chapter is celebrated genre auteur Mike Flanagan, widely recognized for his work on acclaimed streaming hits like The Haunting of Hill House, The Fall of the House of Usher, Midnight Mass, and Carrie, alongside feature films such as Doctor Sleep, The Life of Chuck, Hush, and Gerald’s Game.
Stepping into the harrowing lead role is Academy Award nominee Scarlett Johansson. She stars as Julie Miller, a dedicated New York City detective whose life was defined thirteen years ago when she successfully brought an end to the reign of terror orchestrated by the demonic serial murderer known as Father Sunday. That historic case transformed her into a local legend, prompting her to completely dedicate her existence to law enforcement ever since.
The Past Returns in Blood
Detective Miller’s fragile sense of peace shatters when a copycat murderer leaves a chilling message, writing her name in the blood of an altar boy inside a shadowy church crypt. This gruesome discovery pulls her straight back into the terrifying abyss she thought she had sealed away forever.
To navigate the gathering darkness, she teams up with Father William, a former prison chaplain portrayed by Academy Award nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor, who holds the distinction of having heard Father Sunday’s final confession. Alongside sharp-witted rookie detective Gina Restrepo, played by Sasha Calle, Detective Miller begins to uncover a terrifying thread connecting a historical lineage of infamous serial killers—stretching from H.H. Holmes to the Zodiac. This sinister network threatens to consume everything and everyone she holds dear, driven by a malice that transcends human comprehension.
A Star-Studded Supporting Ensemble
The cinematic thriller boasts an exceptional supporting lineup. Academy Award nominee Diane Lane stars as Mary, Julie’s mother, who has recently moved in to help raise her young grandson, Max. They are joined by Screen Actors Guild Award winner Scoot McNairy as paroled convict Clay Silver, and Emmy winner Gil Bellows portraying Peter Nicks, a former follower of the villainous Father Sunday.
The production also features Emmy and Tony Award-winning screen icon Laurence Fishburne as the revered Father Nichol. Meanwhile, acclaimed star John Leguizamo takes on what promises to be the most terrifying and menacing performance of his entire career as the infamous Father Sunday.
Behind the Scenes of the Horror Event
The Exorcist: Martyrs is written and directed by Mike Flanagan, drawing inspiration from the original characters crafted by William Peter Blatty. The production team consists of David Robinson, three-time Academy Award nominee Jason Blum, and Mike Flanagan himself, with Alexandra Magistro and Ryan Turek serving as executive producers.
Mark your calendars as The Exorcist: Martyrs prepares to redefine supernatural terror on the big screen this March 2027.
