Just as The Conjuring: Last Rites was declared the definitive final chapter of the main saga. However, box office results have clearly dictated a different fate for the franchise. Following its phenomenal box office results, grossing over $487 million worldwide, the gears are already turning for more demonic adventures.
Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema are officially moving forward with a prequel film that will delve deeper into the lore that has captivated audiences. However, the prequel isn’t the only upcoming addition to the franchise. There’s also a series in the works from HBO.
The prequel will see the return of writers Richard Naing and Ian Goldberg, the writing team behind Last Rites. They are set to pen the script for this new entry, Variety reports. As for the director, Rodrigues Huart is currently in discussions to direct the prequel that will explore the Warrens’ early years. While the iconic characters will return, it remains unconfirmed if Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson will reprise their roles. Given the prequel nature, it opens the door for new actors to portray the couple in their younger days.
The expansion isn’t limited to the big screen. In addition to the film prequel, a Conjuring television series is currently in development for HBO Max.
This series is described as a “continuation of the cinematic universe,” suggesting it will build upon the established mythology. Nancy Won, an Emmy nominee with credits on shows like Supernatural and Jessica Jones, has officially joined the project as writer, showrunner, and executive producer. Won joins fellow writers Peter Cameron and Cameron Squires on the series development team.
This move solidifies the franchise’s transition into a multi-platform horror behemoth, despite the previous director’s definitive statement just weeks ago. Michael Chaves, director of The Conjuring: Last Rites, had recently asserted, “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.” While the prequel offers a step back in time rather than a direct sequel, it certainly proves the universe’s appetite for more stories is far from over.
If you missed The Conjuring: Last Rites in theaters, you can watch it now on VOD and Digital services like Prime Video. You can own the Blu-ray on November 25.
