EXCLUSIVE

Scarlett Johansson’s new ‘Exorcist’ role raised concerns that she may become cursed.
Dec. 14 2025, Published 6:00 a.m. ET
Scarlett Johansson has agreed to star in a new version of The Exorcist, directed by Mike Flanagan. This decision has reignited concerns about the supposed curse associated with the franchise, which has a history of off-screen tragedies.
The original film, shot in 1972, was plagued by numerous incidents, including fires, injuries, and even a murder charge against a minor actor.

Scarlett Johansson believes in superstitions.
Industry insiders are puzzled by Johansson’s choice to join a project with such a notorious past, given her stature as one of the most influential actors today.

Scarlett Johansson stars in a new ‘Exorcist’ movie.
Johansson’s well-known superstitions add to the concern. She is known to avoid certain situations and reportedly fled a hotel room due to unusual occurrences.
One film executive expressed worry that Johansson might regret taking on this project, given her beliefs.
Some involved with the franchise’s history are uneasy, fearing that revisiting this material might be tempting fate.
The original Exorcist faced numerous misfortunes, including a fire that destroyed a set, leaving only the possessed child’s room intact. This incident, among others, has contributed to the film’s eerie reputation.
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Those who work on ‘Exorcist’ films are allegedly hexed.
Tragic events continued to occur during the original film’s production, with several cast and crew members experiencing personal losses and accidents.
Notably, actor Jack MacGowran died soon after completing his scenes, and other deaths were linked to the film.
Paul Bateson, a technician involved in the film, was later convicted of murder, adding to the film’s dark legacy.

An ‘Exorcist’ producer admitted people remember the spooky stories of a curse.
While some dismiss the idea of a curse, the stories surrounding the original film linger, leaving those involved with the new project feeling apprehensive.
An insider commented on the long shadow the franchise’s history casts, suggesting that even skeptics are unsettled.