The Conjuring franchise has long stood as one of horror cinema’s most recognizable sagas, blurring the line between the terrifying myths of the paranormal and the personal stories of those who believe in them.
With the release of ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’, the series returned to explore another chilling case from the files of Ed and Lorraine Warren. However, alongside its supernatural scares, the film has drawn attention for the potential shake-up looming over its future.
‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ Real-Life Connection To Horror Lore
At the very end of ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’, audiences found a dedication that felt deeply human in contrast to the onscreen terror. Among the special mentions was Dan Rivera, a paranormal investigator and the real-life handler of the infamous Annabelle doll. Rivera passed away suddenly in July 2025 from cardiac-related causes, and his death was a blow not only to his family but also to the close-knit paranormal community.
Related: ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ Post-Credits Scene Gives The Warrens A Bittersweet Farewell
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, director Michael Chaves addressed Rivera’s passing, calling it “really just tragic and a curveball.” Chaves admitted that the production team was blindsided and wanted to ensure the tribute was carried out in a manner that was simple, understated, and respectful. “Horror movies are fun and they deal with dark things,” Chaves explained, “but separating that rollercoaster experience from a real, tragic death was tricky to navigate.”
Rivera’s inclusion in the credits humanizes the franchise. While the Annabelle doll has become a cinematic icon of terror, the reminder that a real person handled and preserved this piece of paranormal lore adds emotional weight. Rivera had been actively touring with Annabelle through his Devils on the Run events, sharing the doll’s legend with curious audiences. By honoring him in ‘Last Rites,’ the filmmakers acknowledged the person behind the myth.
The tribute also resonates because Annabelle herself appears in the film. In a chilling callback to earlier installments, the doll is briefly seen by Judy Warren, first in a rocking chair in her childhood bedroom and later in the Smurl family’s attic. These scenes not only tie the latest chapter back to the original ‘Conjuring’ and ‘Annabelle Comes Home‘ but also make Rivera’s dedication all the more fitting.
James Wan’s Ongoing Beef With Warner Bros. Might Result In The Conjuring Franchise’s End
While Rivera’s tribute highlighted the film’s heart, industry insiders are also buzzing about another development: the uncertain future of ‘The Conjuring’s creator, James Wan. Wan, whose career spans from ‘Saw’ and ‘Insidious‘ to ‘Aquaman‘, is the architect of ‘The Conjuring’ Universe. He directed the first two core films and has served as a producer on every subsequent installment, including spin-offs like ‘The Nun’ and ‘Annabelle’.
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Under his influence, the nine-film saga has grown into the 35th highest-grossing movie franchise of all time. However, according to Puck journalist Matthew Belloni, negotiations between Wan’s production company, Atomic Monster, and Warner Bros. are faltering. Wan reportedly requested a larger share of the profits from future installments. His initial ask was for 50 percent, though he later revised the proposal to 25 percent for the next film and 50 percent thereafter.
Warner Bros., however, has reportedly balked at these terms, leading to rumors that Wan may walk away. This potential rift leaves the future of ‘The Conjuring’ in a precarious position. Wan’s creative fingerprints are on every corner of the series. From the Warrens’ investigations to the shared-universe structure that tied spinoffs back into the main narrative. Without him, ‘The Conjuring’ risks losing not only its architect but also the cohesive tone that made it more than just a string of unrelated horror films.
