The Conjuring is bidding farewell as it prepares to return with a prequel named The Conjuring – First Communion, and the release date for this horror film in theaters has just been officially announced.
Following the announcement that The Conjuring – Last Rites will mark the end of Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga’s portrayal of Ed and Lorraine Warren, while simultaneously breaking Box Office records for the franchise, a prequel titled First Communion has been unveiled, with it’s release date set for September 10, 2027.
Last Rites emerged as the top-grossing film in the horror franchise, becoming the third horror movie ever to surpass $495 million in Box Office earnings, all while operating on a budget of just $55 million.
In a recent interview with ComicBook, director Michael Chaves declared that this film marks the conclusion of the franchise, stating, “It is done. This is the final chapter – that’s why we called it Last Rites. It’s the last one. There’s no other Conjuring movies. It is absolutely the end.”
The success of the previous film has undoubtedly motivated the team to continue with the paranormal duo, yet the specifics of the prequel remain uncertain, including whether Farmiga or Wilson will reprise their roles.
In Last Rites, audiences were introduced to a younger iteration of the legendary supernatural figures Ed and Lorraine Warren, hinting at what’s to come in First Communion. Warner Bros. and New Line are joining forces for a prequel to a franchise that has captivated fans for over 12 years.
While details about the cast remain scarce, Rodrigue Huart, recognized for his work on short films like Transylvanie, has been appointed as the director. The screenplay will be crafted by Richard Naing (The Conjuring – Last Rites) and Ian Goldberg (The Nun II).
With nine films already part of the Conjuring franchise, the future number of additional movies remains uncertain. However, the franchise’s producer, Peter Safran, has expressed, “There’s so much more to it that we haven’t explored. The reality is, I believe there are truly thrilling directions to pursue in both film and television, to be honest.”
The horror franchise is set to debut on television, with HBO developing a new series featuring Nancy Won as the writer, showrunner, and executive producer.
We will have to wait and see if the success of The Conjuring – Last Rites will carry over to the upcoming Conjuring prequel, which is scheduled to hit theaters on September 10, 2027.