The Conjuring universe is alive and well at the box office, but its longtime creative maestro may be ready to exit.
This past weekend, “The Conjuring: Last Rites” debuted with a staggering $84M domestic and $194M worldwide, setting a new record for the biggest global opening ever for a horror film. The film also marked the highest domestic debut in the ‘Conjuring’ series and pushed 2025’s horror box office haul over the $1 billion mark, proving the genre’s enduring theatrical power.
However, while fans are celebrating the latest hit, behind the scenes a standoff is brewing that could reshape the future of the franchise. James Wan, who directed the first two Conjuring films and has served as producer on every entry since, made a cameo appearance in ‘Last Rites.’ That moment could be his final involvement in the series.
According to Puck News, Wan and his company Atomic Monster have been in tense negotiations with Warner Bros. over his ongoing role. His current deal requires that he be credited and paid as a producer on any future Conjuring films and the planned spin-off TV series, but with the franchise continuing to mint money, Wan has been pushing for better financial terms.
At one point, he asked for 50% of future films, before lowering his proposal to 25% for the next installment and 50% thereafter. Warner Bros. has so far resisted, with New Line executives like Richard Brener arguing that Wan’s recent contributions have been limited. If Wan does not perform a minimum level of producing services, the studio could even attempt to cut him out of the franchise altogether.
The dispute raises questions about just how central Wan remains to the Conjuring universe. Warner insiders suggest that producers Puck’s non-studio sources counter that Wan is still essential to shaping the mythology that have made the films so popular.
For now, the studio is working on a ‘Conjuring’ prequel, with or without Wan’s involvement.