October 9, 2024: The first behind-the-scenes images from the set of The Conjuring: Last Rites have surfaced online, offering fans an exciting glimpse of the main cast’s return. This upcoming film marks the final chapter in James Wan’s acclaimed horror franchise.
Shared on Instagram, the photos highlight franchise veterans Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, who reprise their roles as paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren for the last time. It has been over a decade since Wilson and Farmiga first portrayed the iconic couple in the original film, which focused on the haunting experiences of the Perron family. Besides leading the main series, both actors have made cameo appearances in various Conjuring spinoffs, including Annabelle Comes Home and The Nun II. However, neither Wan nor New Line Cinema has confirmed any plans for Wilson and Farmiga to appear in future Conjuring Universe projects.
Directed by Michael Chaves, The Conjuring: Last Rites features a screenplay by Ian Goldberg and Richard Naing, based on a story by Wan and David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick. Chaves, who directed The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It in 2022 and The Nun II in 2023, is the first director to helm multiple films in this billion-dollar franchise. Recently, it was announced that Ben Hardy from Bohemian Rhapsody and Mia Tomlinson from The Beast Must Die will join Wilson and Farmiga in the fourth installment, though further plot and character details remain under wraps.
In a previous interview, Chaves discussed the enduring appeal of The Conjuring films, which have made them one of Warner Bros.’ highest-grossing franchises. “The other things that really make them work is that there’s a lot of heart in them. There are characters that you really love, and there’s also the element of faith,” he stated. “Faith is always an element that runs through these films – sometimes more directly than others – but it’s the combination of those three things that’s the Holy Trinity of the universe.”
What’s Next for The Conjuring Universe?
In addition to the upcoming film, Warner Bros. Television announced last year that an untitled horror drama series set within The Conjuring Universe is in development. The Max original project will be executive produced by Wan for Atomic Monster and Peter Safran for The Safran Company. As of now, there are no updates regarding its status, cast, plot, or potential release date.
The Conjuring: Last Rites is currently scheduled to hit theaters on September 5, 2025.
