“The Conjuring: Last Rites” was billed as the “final” film in the franchise, which already has an HBO Max series in the works. However, not so fast. How do you stop it cold after the last instalment became the highest-grosser of the franchise? In Hollywood, you just don’t.
These days, it seems the only surefire way to end a franchise is by bringing in Jared Leto.
Yes, The Conjuring universe is alive and well, and hot off the surprise success of ‘The Last Rites,’ $485M worldwide and counting, a prequel is now in the works, according to The InSneider.
Short-film director Rodrigue Huart is in talks to direct, with franchise veterans Richard Naing and Ian Goldberg — who co-wrote the previous two Conjuring films, 2023’s “The Nun II,” and this September’s “The Conjuring: Last Rites” — attached to pen the screenplay.
This next instalment is expected to return to the origins, focusing on the early years of the ghost-hunting couple, played by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson. That will likely mean new actors stepping in to carry the “Conjuring” Universe forward.
Furthermore, James Wan remains closely involved as a producer through his company, Atomic Monster. Wan had previously been locked in contract negotiations with Warner Bros., insisting on proper credit and a share of future projects, but a deal has now been reached.
Spanning nine films — including spinoffs ‘Annabelle’ and “The Nun” — the Conjuring Universe has become the highest-grossing horror franchise in history, raking in a combined $2.7 billion. Many of the films are produced on modest budgets, resulting in impressive profit margins.