The Conjuring franchise was already a major success even before its latest installment, The Conjuring: Last Rites, which set a new record for horror film openings. The movie, promoted as the conclusion to James Wan’s long-running series, grossed $194 million worldwide, surpassing the 2017 record held by Andy Muschietti’s adaptation of Stephen King’s It. Naturally, Hollywood’s response to such a triumph is to keep the momentum going by producing another Conjuring film.
This approach has been the franchise’s strategy for over a decade, ever since paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) first appeared in Wan’s 2013 film The Conjuring. Wan, who also directed the original Saw film and served as executive producer for the entire series, is no stranger to building upon successful properties. Although The Conjuring: Last Rites is the ninth film in the universe, it was initially intended to be the franchise’s final chapter, wrapping up the Warrens’ story.
However, Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema have already signaled plans to explore new directions for the series. According to Puck, New Line is developing a Conjuring prequel that would exist separately from the upcoming Annabelle spin-off series and the Conjuring-related show in development for HBO Max. Wan has not directed any of the films since The Conjuring 2 in 2016, though he continues to serve as a producer. His production company, Atomic Monster, merged with Blumhouse Productions last year—adding some legal complications as Warner Bros. seeks to expand the franchise, possibly without Wan’s involvement.
As reported by Puck, Wan has been in disputes with Warner Bros. over his share of profits from future Conjuring projects. The resolution of this dispute will likely be necessary before the series can move forward. Whether Warner Bros. manages to negotiate a deal with Wan or chooses to proceed without him, one thing is clear: the franchise’s box office appeal remains undeniable.
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