Scarlett Johansson's Forgotten Horror Movie Was a Total Bomb.
Scarlett Johansson is joining the new Exorcist movie, but it's not her first time in the horror genre. Before she was a superstar, she battled giant spiders in a campy creature feature. We look back at her early career and the one horror film she made before landing this major role.
Scarlett Johansson is officially stepping into the world of demonic possession. The acclaimed actress will star in the upcoming Exorcist reboot, a project helmed by writer-director Mike Flanagan and produced by Blumhouse Productions and Atomic Monster. Flanagan expressed his excitement about the casting.
Scarlett is a brilliant actress whose captivating performances always feel grounded and real, from genre films to summer blockbusters, and I couldn’t be happier to have her join this Exorcist film.
Details about her character are being kept secret for now. The reboot, which was initially planned for a March release, is currently without a firm date. Flanagan confirmed on June 2, 2025, that filming hasn't begun, as he intends to complete his work on Carrie first. He has big ambitions for the project.
My goal is to make the scariest movie I’ve ever made, and trying to make something that scares the shit out of me.
While this marks a major step into horror for Johansson, it isn't her first encounter with the genre. Long before she became a household name through blockbuster superhero films and award-winning dramas, she faced a very different kind of terror in the campy chaos of Eight Legged Freaks.
A Look Back at a Creature Feature Past
Released in 2002, Eight Legged Freaks is a monster comedy that blends scares with laughs. Directed by Ellory Elkayem, the movie features a cast including David Arquette, Kari Wuhrer, and a young Scarlett Johansson. She plays Ashley Parker, a resourceful teenager caught in an arachnid nightmare with her brother Mike and mother, Sheriff Sam Parker.
The story kicks off when a truck accident spills toxic waste near a spider farm. The contaminated crickets fed to the spiders cause them to grow to enormous sizes, and soon the entire town is under siege. The residents, led by Chris McCormick and the Parker family, must fight for their lives against the eight-legged invaders in a story filled with over-the-top action and B-movie charm.
Revisiting the Cult Classic
The film wasn't a critical darling, earning a 49% score from critics. However, it found a modest audience, grossing $45 million worldwide on a $30 million budget. Despite its mixed reception Eight Legged Freaks has since become a quirky and enjoyable cult favorite. Johansson, early in her career, delivered a strong performance, bringing a sense of composure and energy to her role.
The movie's appeal comes from its refusal to take itself too seriously. It’s a fun ride full of jump scares, silly humor, and wild scenarios. David Arquette plays the classic accidental hero perfectly, while Johansson’s character provides a surprising amount of emotional depth, showcasing bravery and intelligence in the face of absurd danger.
Before the Arachnid Apocalypse
Johansson's role as Ashley Parker came after she had already started building an impressive resume as a child and teen actor. She had appeared in films like North (1994), Manny & Lo (1996), The Horse Whisperer (1998), and the critically acclaimed Ghost World (2001). Her turn in the spider flick was a unique detour before she skyrocketed to global stardom. Now, fans are left to wonder if her experience battling giant arachnids will prepare her for the supernatural horror that awaits in the new Exorcist.