BlumFest is underway in New York City, and Blumhouse is using the stage to preview titles coming in 2027 and 2028. Stay tuned for more news and updates ..
One of the biggest reveals so far is the first first trailer for Mike Flanagan's "The Exorcist: Martyrs." I've had reservations about this one since it was announced, but I have to admit the trailer works. The cinematography looks great, the atmosphere grisly, and the cast feels right for their roles. The trailer left me more intrigued than I expected, and now I'm kinda looking forward to it.
Scarlett Johansson stars as Julie Miller, an NYPD homicide detective and single mother to 12-year-old Max (Noah Jupe). When her cases keep her away from home, her mother, Mary (Diane Lane), takes care of Max. Early in the film, Miller catches "Father Sunday" (John Leguizamo), a serial killer who stages his murders to mimic the martyrdoms of Catholic saints in an effort to shake believers' faith. Miller witnesses his execution, and it doesn't go as planned. The killings continue, now in demonic fashion, and the evil eventually closes in on her mother and son.
Sasha Calle plays Gina Restrepo, Miller's fellow homicide detective. Chiwetel Ejiofor is Father William, the prison chaplain who presided over Sunday's execution and has been in a crisis of faith ever since. Laurence Fishburne plays a priest versed in ancient rituals who is brought in once the danger turns personal. Carla Gugino rounds out the ensemble.
Flanagan describes 'Martyrs' as "Se7en" or "The Silence of the Lambs" crossed with "The Exorcist." He cites William Peter Blatty's novel "Legion," the basis for "The Exorcist III," as a key inspiration.
He’s also telling Empire Magazine: "It's the scariest thing I've ever made." That carries real weight with horror fans who have followed Flanagan through "Oculus" (2013), "Hush" (2016), "Gerald's Game" (2017), and "Doctor Sleep" (2019).
Behind the camera, cinematographer Michael Fimognari reunites with Flanagan. 'Martyrs' is the seventh of Flanagan's nine features that Fimognari has shot.
'Martyrs' hits theaters on March 12, 2027
Scarlett Johansson is the lead; she plays a detective who watches a serial killer's execution — only for his murder spree to continue in demonic fashion. “Exorcist: Martyrs” is set to hit theaters on March 12, 2027.