John Gallagher Jr. Releases Almost Okay EP and Joins Mike Flanagans New Exorcist Film
John Gallagher Jr. announced the release of his new EP, Almost Okay, and revealed a small acting role in Mike Flanagan’s upcoming Exorcist reboot. The EP was discussed on the Kyle Meredith With… podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Podcasts and other platforms. Gallagher, known for his work on The Newsroom, 10 Cloverfield Lane, Spring Awakening, American Idiot and the Broadway musical Swept Away, said the record is a “little postcard from an in‑between stage” that emerged after a breakup, the challenging run of Swept Away, and a desire to find something that felt good again.
In the interview, Gallagher explained that the five‑piece band recorded the songs in a live‑band setting, allowing the material to arrive “loose, alive, and unpolished in all the right ways.” The EP’s title track, “Almost Okay,” and the single “Tough Spit” reflect Gallagher’s experience of navigating the “strange currency of indie music” and the industry’s push back toward guitar‑driven songwriting. He described “Tough Spit” as a sardonic rocker written after “too much scrolling during the 2024 election season,” noting the mental toll of online promotion and the “whiplash of promoting a show online only to tumble into shootings, conspiracy theories, and algorithmic garbage.” Gallagher said he finds humor in the panic, channeling artists such as John Prine, Todd Snider, Paul Westerberg and Jackson Browne.
The EP’s release follows Gallagher’s recent Broadway appearance in Swept Away, where he played the role of Mate. The show’s run ended in early 2024, and Gallagher has since turned his focus back to music. The Almost Okay EP is described as a “ragged little snapshot from the middle of a life reset,” offering listeners a raw glimpse into the artist’s creative process during a period of personal transition.
Gallagher also discussed his involvement in Mike Flanagan’s retooling of the Exorcist franchise. He said, “He’s an amazing filmmaker. It was really cool to be on set with him and see him have the keys to this big franchise. He’s going to do some very cool stuff with the material; I think people are going to be really surprised and pleased with it.” The Exorcist reboot, written, directed and produced by Flanagan, is scheduled for release on March 13, 2026 by Universal and Blumhouse. The film stars Scarlett Johansson and Laurence Fishburne, among others, and is billed as a “radical redo” of the classic horror story.
Gallagher’s role in the film is described as a small part, but his participation underscores the crossover between his acting and musical careers. The announcement comes at a time when independent musicians are increasingly seeking visibility through film and television projects, and it highlights the continued relevance of live‑band recordings in an era dominated by digital production. The Almost Okay EP and the Exorcist release both illustrate how artists can diversify their portfolios while maintaining a focus on creative authenticity.
At present, Gallagher’s EP is available for streaming and download on major platforms, and the Exorcist film’s production has wrapped, with post‑production work underway. Fans and industry observers will be watching how Gallagher balances his musical output with his expanding acting résumé as both projects move toward their respective release dates.
