Mike Flanagan

Biography

Mike Flanagan is an American filmmaker widely regarded as one of the modern masters of the horror genre. Known for blending terrifying supernatural elements with deep, emotional family trauma, he created the "Flanaverse" on Netflix with hits like "The Haunting of Hill House" (2018) and "Midnight Mass" (2021). In 2026, he is a key architect behind the darker side of major franchises. He is the screenwriter (along with Hossein Amini) of the DC Universe film "Clayface" (September 2026). The project exists solely because Flanagan successfully pitched James Gunn a tragedy/horror concept based on the character, heavily inspired by the Batman: The Animated Series episode "Feat of Clay." He was also tapped by Blumhouse to save "The Exorcist" franchise following the critical failure of The Exorcist: Believer (2023). He is set to write and direct a "radical new take" on the series, which was originally scheduled for March 2026 (though recent industry reports suggest a delay as he finishes his TV adaptation of Stephen King's "Carrie" for Amazon).