The Warrens are coming back for one last scare. After years of speculation, the fourth installment in the main Conjuring series is officially in the works. Titled The Conjuring: Last Rites, the film promises to be the final chapter for paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, a duo that has anchored one of the most successful horror franchises in history.
Since the first film terrified audiences in 2013, The Conjuring Universe has expanded into a multi-billion dollar behemoth, spawning spin-offs like Annabelle, The Nun, and The Crooked Man. Yet, the core films following the Warrens’ real-life case files have always been the heart of the series. With Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga set to reprise their iconic roles, fans are eagerly anticipating what terrifying case will mark their final on-screen investigation.
This article will cover everything we know so far about The Conjuring: Last Rites, from its production status and potential release date to cast details and plot theories.
Is This Really the End for the Warrens?
“The Conjuring Last Rites” The title Last Rites certainly suggests a definitive conclusion. Franchise creator and producer James Wan has described the film as the “final chapter” of the Warrens’ story. Speaking with Collider, Wan confirmed that the team is taking their time to get the story right, wanting to ensure a fitting and emotional send-off for the characters that started it all.
For fans, this news is bittersweet. Wilson and Farmiga’s chemistry has been a cornerstone of the series, grounding the supernatural horror with a believable and touching love story. While the broader Conjuring Universe will likely continue, Last Rites aims to provide a conclusive end to the main saga. This finality raises the stakes, suggesting that the Warrens may face their most dangerous and personal case yet.
Cast and Crew: Who Is Returning?
The most crucial element for fans is the return of the series leads. Both Patrick Wilson (Ed Warren) and Vera Farmiga (Lorraine Warren) are confirmed to be coming back. Their portrayals have been universally praised, and it’s hard to imagine a Conjuring film without them.
Behind the camera, there’s a significant change. Michael Chaves, who directed the previous installment, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, as well as The Nun II, is set to direct Last Rites. This makes him the first person besides James Wan to direct more than one film in the main series. While some fans may have hoped for Wan’s return to the director’s chair, Chaves’ deep involvement in the franchise ensures a consistent vision.
James Wan will remain a key creative force as a producer, alongside Peter Safran. The script is penned by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, who also wrote The Conjuring 2 and The Devil Made Me Do It. His return ensures that the tone and narrative style will align with the previous films.
Potential Release Date
As of late 2024, an official release date for The Conjuring: Last Rites has not been announced. The film is still in the pre-production phase. Given the typical production timelines for a major studio horror film, a release in late 2025 seems plausible.
Horror films often thrive during the Halloween season, so a release around September or October 2025 would be a strategic move for Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema. However, filming has not yet begun, so fans should keep an eye out for official announcements as production gets underway.
What Will the Plot of Last Rites Be About?
The plot of The Conjuring: Last Rites is the biggest mystery surrounding the film. The previous three movies were based on real-life case files of the Warrens: the Perron family haunting, the Enfield poltergeist, and the trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson. The question on every fan’s mind is: which case will they tackle for their grand finale?
Here are some of the most popular theories based on the Warrens’ remaining famous cases.
The Smurl Family Haunting
One of the most likely candidates is the haunting of the Smurl family in West Pittston, Pennsylvania. This case, which took place between 1974 and 1989, involved a family tormented by a powerful demon. The reported phenomena were intense and varied, including loud noises, foul odors, physical assaults, and levitation. The Warrens became involved in 1986 and performed multiple exorcisms on the house. The case gained significant media attention and was the subject of a TV movie, The Haunted.
This story fits the mold of a Conjuring film perfectly. It involves a family in distress, a demonic presence, and the Warrens’ direct intervention, providing ample material for terrifying set pieces and emotional drama.
The Southend Werewolf
A more unconventional but intriguing possibility is the case of Bill Ramsey, often referred to as “The Southend Werewolf.” In the 1980s, Ramsey, a British man, exhibited violent, wolf-like behavior, which he claimed he couldn’t control. He displayed superhuman strength and a deep, guttural growl. The Warrens believed Ramsey was possessed by a demon and flew him to their church in Connecticut to perform an exorcism.
This case would push the franchise into new territory, blending demonic possession with elements of lycanthropy. It could offer a visually distinct and thematically fresh finale for the series. Given that The Devil Made Me Do It leaned into occultism and curses, exploring a different type of demonic manifestation feels like a natural progression.
A Completely Original Story
While the series is known for adapting real cases, the writers could choose to craft a more personal, fictional story for the finale. This approach would allow them to create a narrative that directly challenges the Warrens on an emotional level, perhaps connecting to their past or their own family. A fictional antagonist could be designed specifically to be their ultimate adversary, providing a more thematically resonant conclusion than a documented case might allow.
What to Expect from the Final Chapter
Regardless of the specific case, we can expect Last Rites to uphold the series’ traditions. The film will likely feature a blend of atmospheric tension, masterful jump scares, and a strong emotional core centered on the Warrens’ relationship. As the final installment, it will probably be the most ambitious in scale and emotional weight.
Given the title, themes of death, faith, and final goodbyes are almost certain to be at the forefront. The film may explore Lorraine Warren’s clairvoyant abilities more deeply, perhaps forcing her to confront a vision of her own or Ed’s mortality. The “last rites” could refer to a final, definitive exorcism, or it could hint at a more tragic conclusion for our beloved heroes.
A Fitting Farewell
The Conjuring: Last Rites has the monumental task of concluding one of modern horror’s most beloved stories. With a proven creative team and the unwavering commitment of its lead actors, the film is poised to deliver a scary, emotional, and satisfying finale. As production gears up, more details will emerge, but one thing is certain: the Warrens are preparing for their biggest fight, and audiences will be there for every terrifying moment.
If you’re a fan of the franchise, now is the perfect time to revisit the previous films and re-familiarize yourself with the Warrens’ harrowing journey. The end is near, and it promises to be one hell of a ride.
