For over a decade, ‘The Conjuring’ franchise has been one of modern horror’s most consistent and chilling successes. What began in 2013 as a relatively contained haunted house story directed by James Wan evolved into a sprawling cinematic universe filled with demons, cursed artifacts, and memorable supernatural entities.
Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga’s portrayals of Ed and Lorraine Warren became iconic, anchoring the series with emotional depth and authenticity. So, with the latest addition, ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’, fans feared the worst as it served as a conclusion to the franchise. However, the film might not be the end.
‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ Closed One Door, But The Whole Universe Is Still Wide Open
‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ wrapped up the Warrens’ story with grace. It provided a heartfelt ending that honored their legacy. Director Michael Chaves even doubled down in interviews, saying, “It is done. This is the final chapter. There’s no other Conjuring movies. It is absolutely the end.” However, if there’s one thing horror has taught us over the years, it’s that evil never truly dies, and neither does a billion-dollar franchise. Despite all the talk of “finality,” The Conjuring universe is far from over. In fact, it’s only entering a new phase.
Related: ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ Post-Credits Scene Gives The Warrens A Bittersweet Farewell
Behind the scenes, New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. are already laying the groundwork for what’s next. According to multiple reports, the studios are developing new Conjuring-related projects. This includes a fresh prequel film and an upcoming HBO Max series. The supposed “end” of the franchise seems more like a marketing tactic than a real conclusion. ‘Last Rites’ might have closed the door on the Warrens’ main story arc, but the world they inhabit remains ripe for exploration.
The rumored prequel project is particularly exciting. Sources suggest it will focus on earlier cases from Ed and Lorraine’s careers. It could also potentially feature the younger versions of the couple introduced in ‘Last Rites’. That direction opens up endless storytelling possibilities: new hauntings, unfamiliar demons, and even connections to previous cursed objects or cases briefly mentioned in earlier films. In short, the “end” of The Conjuring saga is more of a transition than a tombstone.
How ‘The Conjuring’ Could Easily Continue
‘Last Rites’ also left several supernatural threads dangling. The eerie Conjuring mirror and the mysterious new demon introduced in the film were clear narrative hooks. Then there’s the Axe Man, a shadowy figure whose origins remain largely unexplored. Each of these elements could easily fuel future prequels or spinoffs, expanding the mythology in intriguing directions. Moreover, beyond the prequels, there’s a strong possibility the franchise could push forward chronologically, following the Warrens’ daughter, Judy Warren.
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The film subtly positioned her as the next-generation paranormal investigator, alongside her husband. Given Judy’s childhood surrounded by cursed artifacts and her inherited gift of sensitivity to the supernatural, her story practically writes itself. This would allow the franchise to evolve naturally while paying homage to its roots. Even Ed and Lorraine themselves aren’t completely out of the picture. In real life, the couple lived much longer than ‘Last Rites’ portrays.
If The Conjuring franchise has taught us anything, it’s that there’s always another story to tell. Every entry has introduced a terrifying new entity (the Nun, Annabelle, the Crooked Man), and ‘Last Rites‘ was no exception. Whether through prequels or sequels, these demons’ origins remain largely unexplored. A movie diving into the Conjuring mirror’s curse or the Axe Man’s violent past could easily stand on its own while expanding the universe’s lore.
