The upcoming film, The Conjuring: Last Rites, is set to conclude the mainline Conjuring series but will not signal the end of the wider Conjuring Universe. Scheduled for release on September 5, 2025, this installment wraps up the central saga while leaving room for potential new directions within the franchise. This development brings new focus to the James Wan Conjuring Universe Future, sparking speculation about what lies ahead.
The Closure of Phase One and the End of an Era for Key Characters
Richard Brener, Chief Content Officer at New Line Cinema, described Last Rites as the conclusion of phase one for the extended franchise, which includes films such as The Nun, The Nun 2, Annabelle, Annabelle: Creation, and Annabelle Comes Home. This movie will also mark the farewell for Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga’s characters, Ed and Lorraine Warren, whose story has spanned four main films and various spin-offs.
The narrative also introduces the Warrens’ daughter, Judy Warren, portrayed by Mia Tomlinson, stepping into a more prominent role as she tackles the most perilous haunting in the family’s history—the Smurl family case. This real-life case, known for its intensity and infamy, serves as a pivotal element to close the story arc.
James Wan’s Intentions Behind Choosing the Smurl Case for the Finale
James Wan, the franchise’s creator and producer, shared insights into why this particular case was chosen to conclude the main storyline at a recent press event. Wan emphasized the importance of ending the saga while the audience remains engaged and passionate about the characters and world. He said,
“We don’t want to be doing this 20 movies down the line, where we’ve driven the franchise into the ground. We love the idea that we’re going out with a big bang whilst everyone’s still loving the world, loving the movies, and loving the characters. It just feels right.”
Wan also explained the personal connection to the Smurl haunting, referencing a 1990s TV movie called The Haunted, which originally introduced him to Ed and Lorraine Warren. This connection gave him a full-circle feeling about using the Smurl case as the closing chapter in their story.
Taking a Pause and Possible Evolution Within the Conjuring Universe
Reflecting on the franchise’s longevity, Wan remarked,
“We’ve been doing this for over 10, 12 years, and I think it’s nice to just take a break from it. A big break from it.”
—James Wan, Producer and Director
This suggests a deliberate pause to avoid franchise fatigue and maintain the integrity of the storytelling.
The film’s inclusion of Judy Warren as a lead character has raised questions about whether she might take over as a central figure in future installments. Wan responded cautiously about the possibility of a phase two for the Conjuring Universe. He acknowledged the structure for continuation exists but remains focused on delivering this final mainline story.
He commented,
“I’m a little bit superstitious, and I don’t want to jump the gun, but if there is a phase two, something like that does not seem out of place. Actually, it feels very organic, if you will.”
—James Wan, Producer and Director
This openness hints at potential future projects while emphasizing the importance of timing.
Anticipating the Impact of Last Rites on the Franchise’s Legacy
The Conjuring: Last Rites is expected to conclude an iconic chapter in horror cinema, closing the storylines of Ed and Lorraine Warren while setting the stage for what may come next. It symbolizes both an ending and a transition for the franchise’s characters and fans alike. The decision to end on a high note, rather than continuing endlessly, reflects a thoughtful approach by James Wan and New Line Cinema to preserve the franchise’s strength and reputation.
This final mainline film’s release will be a significant event for audiences who have followed the Warrens’ terrifying cases and the evolving Conjuring Universe, with many eager to discover if and how the saga will continue beyond Last Rites. The film’s premiere on September 5, 2025, will provide answers and potentially open new doors within this horror landscape.
