The Conjuring – Last Rites may mark the conclusion of the Warrens’ story, yet the Conjuring series has the potential to thrive independently. The Conjuring franchise has established itself as one of the most successful horror series in film history, amassing over $2.6 billion in revenue since the release of the first movie in 2013. Last Rites has continued this legacy, already raking in more than $450 million at the Box Office. Last Rites marks a significant conclusion for series leads Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, as their characters Ed and Lorraine find peace and a joyful resolution.
With New Line already strategizing for “phase 2” of The Conjuring series, it’s thrilling to envision the potential directions the series could take from this point onward — particularly if it chooses not to reintroduce the Warrens.
The Conjuring Films Should Not Return To The Warrens So Quickly
The Conjuring franchise is poised for an expansive future following Last Rites, yet it should refrain from rushing back to the Warrens so soon after saying goodbye to Ed and Lorraine. The Warrens were central figures in the main Conjuring series, featuring in four films and making appearances in spin-offs such as Annabelle Comes Home.
Last Rites was promoted as the final chapter of their narrative, culminating in a serene epilogue that outlines their retirement and ultimate demise. The film effectively closes the door on any potential comebacks, relegating them to minor supporting roles in future installments, thus distancing them from active involvement in paranormal investigations.
The tremendous success of Last Rites has sparked curiosity among audiences about the possibility of the Warrens making a comeback in the future. Even if a direct sequel isn’t on the horizon, the Conjuring series could explore a prequel featuring younger iterations of Ed and Lorraine, particularly given the impressive performances by Madison Lawlor and Orion Smith as these characters in Last Rites.
Reviving the Warrens would harm the Conjuring franchise. Their farewell in Last Rites was a fitting tribute to their characters, emphasizing the overarching themes of the series while allowing them to confront one final demonic adversary. Resurrecting them would diminish the poignant ending that Last Rites provided.
Prequels present a uniquely challenging situation. The tension is diminished by the fact that viewers are aware the main characters must endure to feature in upcoming narratives. Since audiences have already witnessed their complete character development, there is limited opportunity to delve into fresh territory with the duo.
Although a movie that delves into how Ed and Lorraine first met or built their reputation could be captivating, it would likely seem like revisiting familiar territory, especially since the franchise has already depicted the Warrens through various triumphs and challenges. In short, Ed and Lorraine are fully developed characters and do not require further exploration.
The Conjuring Universe Should Broaden It’s Horizons, And Spin-Off Films Might Hold The Solution
It’s important to note that the Conjuring films don’t need to disappear. On the contrary, the franchise has already demonstrated it’s ability to endure and flourish without Ed and Lorraine. Filmmakers can certainly choose to center their stories around Judy, but this approach may feel too reminiscent of the Warrens and their joyful conclusion, making it perhaps too soon to explore after Last Rites.
The future of The Conjuring series ought to draw inspiration from the successes of films like Annabelle and The Nun, which demonstrate that a shared horror universe can thrive beyond just individual heroes or recurring threats in each narrative.
These spin-offs brought forth new characters, explored various time periods, and emphasized distinct settings. The outcome is a franchise that appears expansive, offering the potential for limitless narratives.
With the Warrens no longer serving as the sole foundation of the series, the franchise has the opportunity to delve into hauntings and tales that are independent of their involvement. This shift could enable upcoming Conjuring films to explore a variety of demons and exorcists, broadening the scope of the stories told.
Numerous ghost stories exist globally that could inspire captivating Conjuring films. This approach might even enable the series to transition to contemporary times, establishing a link between today’s characters and the Warrens’ enduring legacy (even posthumously).
This opens up the possibility for future Conjuring films to expand internationally, following in the footsteps of The Nun, or to draw inspiration from Annabelle by highlighting the artifacts amassed by the Warrens throughout the years.
A new installment in The Conjuring Universe could even shift to a different country or introduce a new type of protagonist, preserving the essence of the series while offering a revitalized perspective. Any of the spirits and entities briefly glimpsed in Annabelle Comes Home could serve as the centerpiece for a Conjuring spin-off, offering the advantage of featuring less familiar characters.
This inherently heightens the tension in ways that would enhance any new horror film, rather than revisiting characters that audiences are assured are safe, such as the Warrens. Last Rites serves as a proper send-off for Ed and Lorraine. To truly establish a new direction, the series must refrain from resurrecting these characters.
The Conjuring – Last Rites provided a satisfying conclusion for the Warrens, and it is essential for the series to allow them to rest as it ventures into new territories.