Scarlett Johansson Joins Diane Lane in 'The Exorcist' as She Takes a Stand Against AI Firms' Theft

Scarlett Johansson is entering a new phase of her career that blends high profile filmmaking with outspoken advocacy. As she prepares to star in a fresh take on The Exorcist franchise, the actor is also taking a public stand against artificial intelligence firms accused of using creative work without permission.

Johansson is among hundreds of creatives backing the 'Stealing Isn't Innovation' campaign, which challenges AI companies over alleged copyright infringement. At the same time, she has signed on to headline a new Exorcist film alongside Diane Lane, marking one of her most prominent genre returns in years.

Why Johansson Is Speaking Out Against AI Firms

The campaign, supported by nearly 800 actors, writers and musicians, argues that AI platforms are built using copyrighted material without authorisation or compensation. Organised by the Human Artistry Campaign, the initiative is backed by groups including the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA.

Johansson's involvement carries particular weight following her own experience with AI technology. In 2024, she objected publicly after an AI voice assistant closely resembled her voice, prompting OpenAI to remove the feature. At the time, Johansson said she felt shocked and angered by the decision to use her vocal likeness.

The campaign calls on AI developers to pursue licensing agreements with creators rather than relying on scraped data. While some companies have entered formal deals, many artists argue that the broader industry still operates without sufficient consent or transparency.

Diane Lane Joins Johansson in New 'Exorcist' Film

Away from the policy debate, Johansson is also expanding her film slate. She will star opposite Diane Lane in a new instalment of The Exorcist, directed by Mike Flanagan. According to Deadline via Just Jared, the film will tell an original story set within the Exorcist universe.

Flanagan, known for The Haunting of Hill House and Doctor Sleep, will write, direct and produce the project. He has described the film as a bold reimagining rather than a remake, distancing it from recent franchise attempts that failed to resonate with audiences.

Plot details remain under wraps, though the casting of Lane signals a character driven approach rather than spectacle led horror.

A Strategic Career Pivot for Johansson

Johansson's return to a major horror franchise arrives at a time when many established actors are reassessing their relationship with technology and intellectual property. By aligning herself with the anti AI campaign, Johansson is positioning herself as both a leading performer and a vocal advocate for creative rights.

Her stance reflects broader unease across Hollywood, particularly after the 2023 actors' strike, where digital scanning and AI replication became flashpoints in labour negotiations. For Johansson, the issue appears personal as well as professional.

The Bigger Picture for Film and Creativity

The collision between Johansson's activism and her latest casting highlights a wider tension in the entertainment industry. Studios are increasingly experimenting with AI driven tools, while performers push back against systems that threaten control over their work and identity.

As Johansson steps into a reworked Exorcist mythology, she also finds herself at the centre of a debate shaping the future of creative ownership. The outcome of that fight may determine how films are made, marketed and monetised in the years ahead.

For now, Johansson is navigating both worlds at once, using her platform to challenge industry practices while continuing to anchor major studio projects.