Conjuring's Curtain Call? Director Chaves Spills the Beans on Last Rites... and Maybe More?
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
The director of 'The Conjuring: Last Rites' chats about bringing the Warrens' story to a close (maybe?) and teases what a potential future for the franchise could look like, hinting at more true stories and '90s horror inspiration.
Right, so IGN South Africa (cheers, mates!) just had a chinwag with Michael Chaves, the bloke directing 'The Conjuring: Last Rites,' which is being billed as the *final* chapter in the Warrens' saga. But hold your horses, because things might not be as final as they seem.
Now, I reckon most of us know the drill: Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga are back as Ed and Lorraine Warren, those paranormal investigators who've been giving us the willies since 2013. This time, they're tackling the Smurl haunting – a proper old-school haunted house affair from the '70s and '80s. Chaves credits James Wan (the Conjuring's creative godfather) with picking the case, saying it's one of the last ones the Warrens actually took on. Plus, it's a return to the haunted house roots, which is fair dinkum exciting, innit?
Chaves reckons what sets the Conjuring films apart is that they're based on true stories. I mean, they take liberties, sure, but the core is rooted in real events. He even worked with the Smurl sisters while developing the movie to get that authenticity. Can't argue with that, eh?
And what would a Conjuring film be without Annabelle? Chaves confirmed she's back, calling her the "mascot" of the franchise. She might not be the big bad this time (there's a new entity taking that role), but she's definitely making an appearance. Good on ya, Annabelle!
We're also seeing more of Judy Warren, Ed and Lorraine's daughter, now an adult. Chaves reckons this gives us a new perspective on the family and what it was like growing up with paranormal investigators for parents. What's it like having an artifact room in your house? Probably a bit scarring, I'd imagine.
But here's where it gets interesting. While 'Last Rites' is supposedly the end of the Warrens' story, the president of New Line Cinema hinted at a potential "second phase" for the franchise. So, what could that look like? Chaves thinks the key is sticking to true stories and keeping that love letter to classic horror alive. He even suggests drawing inspiration from '90s horror movies. I'm cautiously optimistic; that could actually be pretty rad.
So, is this really the end? Maybe, maybe not. But one thing's for sure: 'The Conjuring: Last Rites' (releasing September 5, 2025) looks like it'll give us one last fright with the Warrens. Whether the franchise continues after that remains to be seen. Personally, I reckon there's plenty of spooky stories out there just waiting to be told. But, let's be honest, what would a second phase even *look* like? Spinoffs about individual ghosts from the artifact room? Conjuring: Multiverse of Madness? Only time will tell, mate.
Tags: horror, Conjuring, movie news, supernatural, sequel
Original article: IGN South Africa