Mike Flanagan and Chiwetel Ejiofor Talk The Exorcist: Martyrs and Scarlett Johansson's Scream Queen Turn at NYCC 2026

At New York Comic Con 2026, director Mike Flanagan and star Chiwetel Ejiofor sat down to discuss their upcoming horror film The Exorcist: Martyrs. The duo offered insights into the highly anticipated project, which continues the legendary Exorcist franchise. Flanagan, known for his work on The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass, brings his signature blend of psychological terror and emotional depth to the series. Ejiofor, an Academy Award nominee, discussed the challenges and rewards of stepping into such an iconic universe, teasing a performance that promises to be both haunting and deeply human. Notably, the conversation also touched on Scarlett Johansson's surprising turn as a Scream Queen in the film, a role that has already generated significant buzz among horror fans. Flanagan praised Johansson's fearless commitment to the genre, suggesting that her presence adds a fresh dynamic to the story. The film's title, Martyrs, hints at a narrative steeped in sacrifice and suffering, and the filmmakers emphasized their goal of respecting the original 1973 classic while forging a new path. With a release date on the horizon, The Exorcist: Martyrs is poised to become a major event for horror enthusiasts and mainstream audiences alike, proving that the power of the franchise endures.