The director of The Conjuring – Last Rites has officially announced the future of the horror franchise, despite it’s record-setting Box Office success.
Director Michael Chaves revealed in a ComicBook interview that this film marks the conclusion of the franchise. According to Michael, “It is finished. This is the final chapter – hence the title Last Rites. It’s the last one. There will be no more Conjuring films. This is definitely the end.”
This announcement has surprised fans, especially considering the film’s impressive Box Office success. The Conjuring franchise first emerged more than ten years ago and has since established itself as one of the most successful and beloved horror universes.
The series centers around paranormal investigators Ed (portrayed by Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren (portrayed by Vera Farmiga), inspired by actual investigations. Each installment narrates a unique experience that the couple reportedly faced.
The horror films and their spin-offs amassed over $2 billion globally at the Box Office. Notably, The Conjuring – Last Rites achieved a franchise record with an opening weekend total of $83 million, even as fans engaged in discussions about whether this film truly honored the legacy of such a significant series.
Last Rites chronicles the Warrens’ last adventure in Pennsylvania, where they confront a demon and free a family from it’s grasp. Yet, this demon has ties to Lorraine’s history. Numerous reviews describe it as a “heartfelt conclusion” with “effective scares.”
However, some negative feedback points out an overabundance of clichés and that it didn’t meet their expectations.
Although Chaves’ announcement dashed the dreams of fans, there remains a chance for the revival of The Conjuring franchise. Given it’s remarkable success, there are various paths to consider, such as the hit spin-off films The Nun and Annabelle.
Vera Farmiga has officially bid farewell to Lorraine Warren. She is recognized for her performances in The Departed, Orphan, and Bates Motel. She is scheduled to star in The Billion Dollar Spy alongside Russell Crowe and Willa Fitzgerald.
Patrick Wilson has also said goodbye to the franchise as Ed and is celebrated for his roles in Insidious and The Phantom of the Opera.