‘The Conjuring‘ universe isn’t done haunting audiences just yet. While Ed and Lorraine Warren’s story might have ended, the franchise is preparing to open a terrifying new chapter with a fresh face behind the camera. After ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ delivered what was billed as the final chapter in Ed and Lorraine Warren’s story, many fans believed that the long-running horror saga had finally reached its end.
The film served as an emotional farewell to Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, whose performances as the paranormal investigators defined an entire generation of supernatural cinema. However, in true Conjuring fashion, it seems that evil never really dies.
‘The Conjuring’ Prequel Moves Forward Without Original Director And Stars
According to THR, the next film in ‘The Conjuring’ universe, a prequel, is officially moving forward. And award-winning filmmaker Rodrigue Huart is in talks to direct. The news comes as a surprise, especially given that ‘Last Rites’ was marketed as the conclusion. Still, the massive box office success of the film, which grossed nearly $500 million worldwide, has given Warner Bros. every reason to keep the franchise alive. Even if it means doing so without its two beloved leads.
Related: ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’: Chilling True Story Details Missing From The Horror Movie
If finalized, Rodrigue Huart’s hiring marks a major turning point for the franchise. Known for his visually bold and psychologically intense short films, Huart has quickly become one of the most exciting young voices in horror. This upcoming prequel will also mark a significant shift behind the camera. It will be the first Conjuring Universe movie since 2019’s ‘Annabelle Comes Home’ not directed by Michael Chaves.
While Chaves has been instrumental in shaping the latter half of the franchise, the move toward a new director suggests that Warner Bros. is looking to inject fresh energy into the series. It’s possibly moving away from the Warrens and exploring new supernatural mythologies. Unfortunately, one name that might not return to guide the next chapter is James Wan. This is especially sad as Wan was behind the first two Conjuring films and remains synonymous with its success.
Reports indicate that Wan has stepped back from the franchise following a pay dispute with Warner Bros. While his absence will be felt, the studio appears confident that the Conjuring brand can sustain itself on its own. For now, plot details remain under wraps. However, the concept of a prequel opens the door to new possibilities. Either way, it’s clear that this is not a goodbye to ‘The Conjuring‘ universe.
Where The Conjuring Universe Can Go After ‘Last Rites’
Even though ‘Last Rites‘ was marketed as the conclusion to Ed and Lorraine’s story, it was never really the end. If anything, it was the closing of one chapter and the perfect opportunity to start several new ones. Over the past decade, the Conjuring franchise has grown into one of the most successful horror universes ever created, spanning nine interconnected films that include ‘Annabelle’, ‘The Nun’, and ‘The Curse of La Llorona’.
In case you missed it: Why ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ Isn’t The End After All
Each spinoff has expanded the mythos in new directions, introducing cursed objects, malevolent spirits, and shadowy cults, all loosely tied back to the Warrens’ work. Even without Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, there’s still a vast world of supernatural storytelling waiting to be explored. The upcoming prequel could, for instance, dive into the early origins of the demonic Nun Valak. It could also explore the creation of the cursed Annabelle doll long before it reached the Warrens’ museum.
There’s also potential to explore new territories altogether. Another compelling direction could involve a generational handoff. The films could introduce a new pair of investigators or spiritual successors to the Warrens, who pick up their work in a modern-day setting. Such a move would preserve the emotional core of the original films while evolving them for a new generation of audiences. Ultimately, while the absence of Wilson and Farmiga marks the end of an era, it doesn’t end it all.
