After a 12-year journey through eight major films and countless supernatural battles, the story of Ed and Lorraine Warren, portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, is drawing to a close with the release of The Conjuring: Last Rites. The film draws inspiration from the alleged haunting of the Smurl family and is positioned as the final chapter of The Conjuring Universe. Despite the franchise’s enduring popularity and talk of a possible Phase Two reboot, James Wan moves on Conjuring to focus on new creative ventures beyond the established series.
James Wan’s Perspective on The Conjuring Universe’s Next Steps
Since the announcement that The Conjuring: Last Rites would close the current narrative arc, speculation has risen about the franchise’s future direction. In early 2025, New Line Cinema’s Richard Brener mentioned the possibility of a Phase Two, which might explore fresh stories despite the Warren family’s exit. Though Wan last directed a Conjuring film with the sequel, The Conjuring 2, he remains intrinsically linked to the franchise’s creation. During an interview with Collider’s Perri Nemiroff, Wan was asked about continuing the series beyond its present endpoint, to which he replied:
“I don’t know. I guess just the lore of the real-life Ed and Lorraine Warren is so rich, like the characters are so rich, the lore’s so rich, that they still really have a lot of stories left. And, I don’t know, the idea of a Judy and Tony story — who knows? There are many ways to approach this. But I guess I try not to give it too much thought at this point. I want to be respectful to where we are right now and focus on saying goodbye to this one.” —James Wan, Executive Producer
While Wan did not rule out future entries entirely and expressed enthusiasm when the topic of the largely cancelled Crooked Man spin-off surfaced, it is evident that his current priorities do not center on expanding the Conjuring Universe. This shift may initially disappoint fans who have followed the franchise for over a decade, but Wan’s extensive commitments as a producer suggest he is ready to explore creative paths beyond the shared universe. His role as a producer includes projects like M3GAN, and stepping away from directing within the franchise opens the door for him to return to original filmmaking pursuits.
A Look Back at James Wan’s Impact as a Writer and Director
Before securing his status as the driving force behind The Conjuring Universe, James Wan was already an influential voice in horror cinema. He made his debut with the independent film Stygian in 2000, and just four years later, he garnered widespread attention by directing Saw. This quick progression established him as a major talent with a distinctive creative vision. Wan’s skill lies in his ability to navigate diverse styles within the genre—from the brutal and graphic horror of Saw to the atmospheric haunted house tension found in the first Conjuring, and even extending to blockbuster fare with his work in the DC Extended Universe, directing Aquaman and its sequel, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Despite the varied nature of these projects, Wan’s unique approach and originality have consistently distinguished his work in an industry where innovation can often be rare.
This versatility and imaginative spirit have been crucial to his success, and as the curtain falls on The Conjuring Universe, Wan’s return to directing original stories promises exciting developments for horror and beyond.
Opportunities for New Storytelling Following the Conclusion of The Conjuring: Last Rites
The lasting impact of James Wan’s original vision underpins the entire Conjuring Universe’s success, with the first film reinvigorating the haunted house subgenre in a lasting way. Now that The Conjuring: Last Rites is in theaters, Wan is potentially free to dive back into directing, a role where his influence has been deeply felt. His most recent foray into horror direction was 2021’s Malignant, a film that divided audiences due to its sharp tone shifts and unexpected twists but undeniably showcased Wan’s bold storytelling style.
Wan’s earlier project, Insidious, also demonstrated his talent for delivering chilling, innovative horror when it released in 2010. His fearless and unconventional narrative methods have helped him stand out as a horror director and solidify a legacy that few can match. While Wan continues producing promising projects like SOULM8TE and the reboot of The Creature from the Black Lagoon, many fans eagerly anticipate the possibility of him returning to direct these films. The conclusion of The Conjuring series signals a potential homecoming to the director’s chair for Wan, something that horror enthusiasts would likely welcome with enthusiasm. His inventive vision and courageous style remain vital to pushing the genre in fresh directions.
The Conjuring: Last Rites is currently playing in theaters. Fans and followers should stay tuned for more updates and insights from Collider.
