Entertainment
“It’s Not a Remake, Not a Sequel…”: Jacobi Jupe Joins Scarlett Johansson in Blumhouse’s Bold New Exorcist Film
After Hamnet awards buzz, rising star Jacobi Jupe teams up with Scarlett Johansson as Mike Flanagan prepares a radical new chapter in The Exorcist legacy.
The Exorcist universe is about to be reawakened — but not in the way audiences might expect.
Fresh off critical acclaim for Hamnet, young breakout star Jacobi Jupe has been cast opposite Scarlett Johansson in a new Exorcist horror film being developed by Blumhouse Productions and Universal Pictures. The project will be written and directed by acclaimed horror auteur Mike Flanagan, marking a decisive reset for one of cinema’s most iconic franchises.
According to the studios, this upcoming film is neither a remake nor a sequel, but rather a “fresh, bold” reimagining of the supernatural horror classic — a notable pivot following the lukewarm reception of The Exorcist: Believer in 2023.
A New Direction After a Franchise Misstep
The original The Exorcist, based on the novel by William Peter Blatty and directed by William Friedkin, remains one of the most influential horror films ever made. Released in 1973, it earned 10 Academy Award nominations, forever reshaping how psychological and supernatural horror could be portrayed on screen.
However, its many follow-ups struggled to recapture that magic. Most focused on variations of demonic possession, priest backstories, or expanded lore tied to the original film’s events.
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Blumhouse and Universal’s previous attempt to relaunch the franchise with The Exorcist: Believer failed to ignite long-term momentum — prompting the studios to rethink their approach.
Enter Mike Flanagan.
Why Mike Flanagan Changes Everything
Flanagan’s involvement signals a tonal shift rather than a commercial reset. Known for cerebral, character-driven horror, he has built a reputation through projects like Doctor Sleep, Gerald’s Game, and Netflix series such as The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass.
Under his Red Room Pictures banner, Flanagan is also producing the film alongside David Robinson for Morgan Creek Entertainment. Jason Blum will produce for Blumhouse, with Ryan Turek serving as executive producer.
Industry insiders say Flanagan’s version will emphasize psychological dread, faith, and emotional trauma rather than jump scares or franchise callbacks.
Jacobi Jupe’s Rapid Rise
For Jacobi Jupe, the casting marks another major leap in an already impressive career trajectory.
The young actor recently earned widespread praise for his leading performance in Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet, where he starred alongside Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. The film has emerged as one of the year’s most acclaimed awards contenders.
Jupe has since picked up a London Film Critics’ Circle nomination for Young British/Irish Performer of the Year and a Critics Choice Award nomination for Best Young Actor — accolades that have firmly positioned him as one of the most promising young talents in the industry.
He is also the younger brother of Noah Jupe, known for A Quiet Place.

What We Know About the New Exorcist Film
While plot details remain tightly guarded, sources believe Jupe will play Scarlett Johansson’s son, placing their relationship at the emotional core of the story.
Principal photography is scheduled to begin March in New York, and the film is expected to lean heavily into atmosphere and character — hallmarks of Flanagan’s filmmaking style.
Jupe’s recent credits also include starring opposite Billy Crystal in Apple TV+’s psychological thriller Before, playing Michael Darling alongside Jude Law in Disney’s Peter Pan and Wendy, and an upcoming role in the horror thriller Victorian Psycho opposite Maika Monroe.
A High-Stakes Reinvention
For Universal and Blumhouse, this project represents more than another sequel — it’s a chance to restore credibility to a legendary brand by trusting a filmmaker known for restraint rather than spectacle.
And for Jacobi Jupe, stepping into the shadow of The Exorcist may be the most defining chapter of his young career yet.
If Flanagan succeeds, this won’t just be another possession movie — it could be the reinvention the franchise has been searching for for decades.
Entertainment
‘G.I. Joe’ Gets a Surprise New Commander… Danny McBride Takes the Director’s Chair for Paramount’s Reboot
After joining the project as its screenwriter, Danny McBride is now set to direct Paramount Pictures’ next G.I. Joe film, marking a major creative shift for the iconic action franchise.
The G.I. Joe franchise is entering a new chapter, with Danny McBride officially stepping into the director’s chair for Paramount Pictures’ upcoming feature based on the legendary military action brand.
McBride, who was already attached to the project as its screenwriter, will now take on directing duties as well, giving him greater creative control over one of Hollywood’s most recognizable action franchises. The move signals Paramount’s confidence in his vision as the studio looks to breathe fresh life into the long-running series.
Best known for his work as an actor, writer, and producer on acclaimed television shows including Eastbound & Down, Vice Principals, and The Righteous Gemstones, Danny McBride has built a reputation for blending sharp storytelling with memorable characters. While audiences largely associate him with comedy, his expanded role on G.I. Joe suggests a bold new direction that could balance high-octane action with character-driven storytelling.
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Originally launched as a military toy line by Hasbro, G.I. Joe evolved into a multimedia phenomenon spanning animated series, comic books, video games, and blockbuster films. The franchise has remained a recognizable name in pop culture for decades, attracting generations of fans worldwide.
Although Paramount has yet to reveal plot details, casting announcements, or a production schedule, industry insiders expect the new film to reimagine the franchise while honoring its legacy. The studio is believed to be aiming for a fresh cinematic approach that appeals to longtime fans as well as a new generation of moviegoers.

The decision to have Danny McBride both write and direct could result in a more unified creative vision. Filmmakers who oversee multiple aspects of production often have greater freedom to shape tone, pacing, and character development, potentially giving the upcoming film a distinct identity compared to previous entries.
The G.I. Joe series has seen several big-screen adaptations over the years, evolving from traditional military action to larger-scale adventure spectacles. With audience expectations changing and studios increasingly investing in franchise reinventions, Paramount appears eager to position this latest installment as a significant reboot rather than simply another sequel.
Fans will now be watching closely for updates on casting, filming, and the film’s release timeline. As development moves forward, Danny McBride’s appointment has already become one of the most talked-about creative decisions surrounding the future of the G.I. Joe universe.
Entertainment
Christopher Nolan Defends Modern Dialogue in The Odyssey After Fan Backlash
The acclaimed filmmaker explains his creative choice, saying contemporary dialogue helps make the ancient epic more accessible while staying true to its emotional core.
LOS ANGELES: Acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan has responded to growing online criticism surrounding his upcoming epic The Odyssey, offering a clear explanation for one of the film’s most debated creative decisions—its use of modern dialogue.
Ever since early details about the highly anticipated adaptation emerged, some movie enthusiasts questioned why a story rooted in Homer’s ancient Greek epic would feature contemporary speech rather than historically styled language. The discussion quickly gained momentum across social media, with fans divided over whether the modern approach would enhance or diminish the authenticity of the classic tale.
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Addressing the criticism, Christopher Nolan said the decision was intentional and centered on storytelling rather than historical imitation. According to the director, the goal was to create an emotional connection between audiences and the characters instead of making the dialogue feel distant or overly formal.
Nolan suggested that using modern language allows viewers to engage more naturally with the themes of courage, sacrifice and human resilience that have made The Odyssey one of history’s most enduring literary works.
The filmmaker has long been known for balancing ambitious concepts with emotionally grounded narratives. From Inception and Interstellar to the Oscar-winning Oppenheimer, Nolan has consistently prioritized accessibility while tackling complex subjects.
Supporters of the creative decision argue that language evolves over time and that modern dialogue can make timeless stories resonate with contemporary audiences without changing their essential meaning. Others, however, believe a more traditional linguistic style would have better reflected the historical setting of the legendary Greek epic.

Despite the debate, anticipation for The Odyssey remains exceptionally high. The project is widely regarded as one of the most ambitious adaptations of Homer’s masterpiece ever attempted, with expectations growing as more details about the production emerge.
Film industry observers note that discussions surrounding artistic interpretation are common whenever iconic literary works are adapted for modern cinema. Directors often face the challenge of balancing historical authenticity with storytelling techniques that appeal to today’s global audiences.
For Christopher Nolan, the controversy appears unlikely to overshadow the excitement surrounding the film. Instead, it has sparked broader conversations about how classic literature can be reimagined for a new generation while preserving the emotional core that has endured for centuries.
As audiences await the film’s release, one thing is certain—the conversation surrounding The Odyssey has already begun long before the opening scene reaches the big screen.
Entertainment
‘Buddy’ Trailer Turns a Cheerful Kids’ TV Show Into a Nightmare… Cristin Milioti and Keegan-Michael Key Lead the Chilling Ride
The first trailer for Buddy blends childhood nostalgia with psychological horror, as Cristin Milioti and Keegan-Michael Key headline one of the year’s most unusual genre films.
LOS ANGELES: The first trailer for Buddy has arrived, and it is already generating buzz for its unsettling twist on the familiar world of children’s television. Starring Cristin Milioti and Keegan-Michael Key, the upcoming horror film transforms the comforting atmosphere of a beloved kids’ TV program into something far more disturbing.
Rather than relying on traditional jump scares alone, Buddy appears to build its suspense through eerie imagery, psychological tension and the unsettling contrast between innocent childhood entertainment and creeping terror.
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The newly released trailer introduces viewers to a mysterious television world where cheerful songs, colorful characters and familiar childhood settings slowly unravel into a much darker reality. As the story progresses, what initially appears harmless begins to reveal hidden dangers, leaving both the characters and the audience questioning what is real.
Leading the cast is Cristin Milioti, widely recognized for her memorable performances across film and television. Joining her is award-winning actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key, whose appearance adds another layer of intrigue to the project as he steps into a genre far removed from his signature comedic roles.’

The film taps into a growing trend in modern horror, where everyday symbols of comfort and nostalgia are reimagined as sources of fear. Recent years have seen audiences embrace psychological horror that explores familiar childhood experiences through darker, more unsettling perspectives, and Buddy appears ready to continue that tradition.
Early reactions to the trailer have highlighted the film’s unique visual style and atmospheric storytelling. Rather than revealing major plot details, the preview focuses on building suspense, allowing viewers to speculate about the true nature of the mysterious children’s program at the center of the story.
Industry observers believe Buddy could appeal to both horror enthusiasts and fans looking for original storytelling that breaks away from conventional supernatural thrillers. Its blend of psychological suspense, emotional mystery and nostalgic imagery gives the project a distinctive identity in an increasingly competitive genre.
As anticipation continues to grow, audiences are eager to discover whether Buddy can deliver on the chilling promise of its first trailer. If the preview is any indication, the film is set to transform childhood memories into one of the most haunting cinematic experiences of the year.
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