Summary (tl;dr)

"The Exorcist: Martyrs," a new horror film from acclaimed director Mike Flanagan starring Scarlett Johansson, is trending following the release of its first trailer and plot details at New York Comic Con, promising a fresh blend of serial killer thriller and demonic possession within the iconic franchise.

Essential Background

The revered "The Exorcist" franchise, known for its seminal 1973 horror film, has experienced varied success with its subsequent entries. Following the underwhelming performance of 2023's "The Exorcist: Believer" and the cancellation of its intended sequel, Universal Pictures and Blumhouse-Atomic Monster brought in Mike Flanagan, celebrated for his work on horror series like "The Haunting of Hill House" and "Midnight Mass," to helm a "radical new take" on the property.

The Full Story

"The Exorcist: Martyrs" is currently trending due to the unveiling of its first teaser trailer at the 2026 New York Comic Con on Friday, October 9. This release, coupled with new plot details and initial images, has ignited considerable public interest. The film, slated for a March 12, 2027, release, features Scarlett Johansson as New York City homicide detective Julie Miller. Thirteen years prior, Miller successfully apprehended a satanic serial killer known as Father Sunday. The current surge in searches reflects the film's premise, which sees Detective Miller drawn back into a chilling investigation as new murders, strikingly similar to Father Sunday's past atrocities, begin to occur, hinting at a malevolent force beyond human comprehension. Her young son is also identified as a potential target in the new narrative.

Why It Matters

This trend is significant as "The Exorcist: Martyrs" is a highly anticipated revival of a legendary horror franchise under the creative vision of Mike Flanagan, a filmmaker widely recognized for his unique contributions to the genre. The film aims to offer a distinct and terrifying experience by integrating a psychological serial killer narrative with supernatural demonic possession, departing from the franchise's prior approaches. The presence of a high-profile cast, including Scarlett Johansson, alongside Flanagan's promise of a "goddamn scary" and vicious narrative that delves into the nature of evil, has generated substantial excitement and high expectations for this new chapter in the "Exorcist" universe.

Geographic Location

• New York City, New York, United States (principal photography and primary setting for the film's events)
• New York Comic Con, New York City, New York, United States (venue where the film's first trailer was unveiled)