Scarlett Johansson (41) Spotted on ‘The Exorcist’ Set in NYC Without Any Makeup
New York City recently turned into a dramatic film set as Scarlett Johansson was spotted shooting scenes for the new The Exorcist reboot. She appeared on set this past Tuesday alongside co-star Chiwetel Ejiofor, looking focused and natural in a makeup-free look.
Johansson, 41, wore a red button-down shirt, denim jeans, and a dark coat while filming. Ejiofor, 48, wore a gray overcoat with matching trousers, complementing the serious tone of the scene.
Observers reported that the block was transformed into a high-stakes crime scene, complete with extras dressed as police officers and restricted areas marked by tape. The scene appeared to focus on intense dialogue, showing the story’s dramatic, character-driven angle rather than traditional horror jumps.
Scarlett Johansson filming a scene for 'The Exorcist'
— Scarlett Johansson Updates (@ScarlettJUpdate) March 18, 2026
pic.twitter.com/UwE0XEgMKq
In the film, Johansson plays a mother opposite young actor Jacobi Jupe, who portrays her son. Director Mike Flanagan expressed his excitement about casting Johansson in a November announcement.
He said, “Scarlett is a brilliant actress whose captivating performances always feel grounded and real, from genre films to summer blockbusters.” He added about the film, “I couldn’t be happier to have her join this ‘Exorcist’ film.”
Makeup-free Scarlett Johansson spotted on set of new ‘The Exorcist’ film in NYC https://t.co/OwbSISAZLB pic.twitter.com/3q4FSYl0yf
— Page Six (@PageSix) March 18, 2026
The movie is set to premiere in theaters in March 2027 and features a strong ensemble cast including Carla Gugino, Diane Lane, John Leguizamo, and Hamish Linklater. While it exists within the world established by the 1973 original, the story is completely new and independent. This reboot is not connected to the 2023 release, The Exorcist: Believer.
The 1973 original, directed by William Friedkin, set a high standard with its iconic tale of Chris MacNeil, played by Ellen Burstyn, trying to save her possessed daughter, Regan, portrayed by Linda Blair. The film won two Academy Awards and grossed around $441 million worldwide, creating a legacy the new team hopes to honor while delivering a fresh take.
Johansson has been busy recently, finishing work on Jurassic World Rebirth and lending her voice to Transformers One. She continues to develop projects through her production company, These Pictures.
Ejiofor has also stayed active, appearing in Venom: The Last Dance and preparing to direct his next independent feature. Flanagan, known for his Netflix series The Haunting of Hill House, is recognized for adding psychological depth and atmosphere rather than relying on jump scares.
The film is produced by Blumhouse and Morgan Creek, two companies known for successful horror films. Fans are excited to see how this new version balances respect for the franchise’s legacy while bringing a fresh, modern take to the story.
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