‘The Exorcist: Martyrs’ Star Says Mike Flanagan’s Horror Movie Is His “Scariest” Yet

Few horror filmmakers working today have built a reputation for unsettling audiences quite like Mike Flanagan. From The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass to The Fall of the House of Usher, Flanagan has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to turn psychological dread into genuinely disturbing horror.

His filmography includes acclaimed movies such as Gerald’s Game and Doctor Sleep, but his next project could push his horror filmmaking even further.

Flanagan is taking on one of horror’s most iconic franchises with The Exorcist: Martyrs, and according to actor Samantha Sloyan, the upcoming movie may be his scariest work yet.

Samantha Sloyan Calls The Exorcist: Martyrs Flanagan’s Scariest

Sloyan has appeared in several of Flanagan’s projects and has a small role in The Exorcist: Martyrs. Although she hasn’t seen the completed film, she did get a glimpse of footage while working on the production.

Speaking with Deadline, Sloyan said what she saw was visually stunning — and potentially more frightening than anything Flanagan has previously made.

“It’s stunningly beautiful. And, for me personally, I think from what little I saw, it’s the scariest thing that I’ve seen him do.”

Sloyan added that she is just as eager as audiences to see the finished movie.

Her history with Flanagan makes the comment particularly interesting. The actor has previously worked with the filmmaker on Hush, The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass, The Midnight Club, The Fall of the House of Usher, and the upcoming Carrie series.

That gives Sloyan considerable experience with Flanagan’s approach to horror, making her early reaction to The Exorcist: Martyrs especially intriguing.

Will The Exorcist: Martyrs Become a New Franchise?

One major question surrounding The Exorcist: Martyrs is whether the movie will eventually lead to more entries in Flanagan’s take on the franchise.

For now, the filmmaker isn’t looking that far ahead.

Flanagan previously explained that he was primarily focused on making the best possible Exorcist movie rather than planning what could come afterward.

“How do I deliver an Exorcist movie right now? One movie that is going to invigorate the fan base and show us something we haven’t seen before in one of the most explored subgenres that exists?”

The filmmaker hasn’t ruled out returning to the franchise, however. Flanagan said that if The Exorcist: Martyrs develops into something bigger, he would welcome the opportunity.

For now, his attention remains on finishing the film.

When Does The Exorcist: Martyrs Release?

The Exorcist: Martyrs is scheduled to arrive exclusively in theaters on March 12, 2027.

The film stars Scarlett Johansson, with Flanagan directing from his own screenplay. The movie marks the filmmaker’s first major entry into The Exorcist franchise and his latest attempt to put a personal spin on one of horror’s most recognizable properties.

If Sloyan’s reaction is any indication, audiences may be in for one of Flanagan’s darkest horror films yet.

The Exorcist: Martyrs hits theaters March 12, 2027.