‘Conjuring’ prequel movie in the works after ‘Last Rites’ breaks franchise box office records

‘Conjuring’ prequel movie in the works after ‘Last Rites’ breaks franchise box office records

The haunting isn’t over. Warner Bros. and New Line are developing a new Conjuring prequel, ensuring that the legacy of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren continues to terrify audiences.

Short film director Rodrigue Huart is reportedly in talks to direct, with franchise writers Richard Naing and Ian Goldberg set to pen the script. Both screenwriters have been integral to shaping the Conjuring universe, co-writing The Nun II (2023) and The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025).

While no contracts have been finalised, insiders suggest the project is moving swiftly after the stunning box office performance of Last Rites.

The Conjuring: Last Rites was promoted as the final chapter in the long-running horror saga, but its massive success, grossing $487 million worldwide, the highest in the franchise’s history, convinced Warner Bros. that the spirit world still had more stories to tell. The upcoming prequel is expected to revisit the early days of the Warrens, exploring how they first became the world’s most famous ghost hunters.

That narrative choice likely means a younger cast will take over from Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, whose portrayals of Lorraine and Ed Warren became the emotional core of the series. Whether they make cameo appearances remains unconfirmed.

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Meanwhile, the Conjuring universe continues to expand beyond theaters. HBO is developing a television series that will extend the mythology of the films, with writer-producer Nancy Won onboard as showrunner. Specific plot details remain secret, but the series is expected to maintain the same mix of supernatural mystery and psychological dread that defines the franchise.

Across nine films, including spinoffs like Annabelle and The Nun, the Conjuring universe has grossed over $2.7 billion globally, making it the most successful horror franchise ever. Its combination of modest budgets and massive returns has made it a studio goldmine, while also redefining how modern audiences experience cinematic horror.

Director Rodrigue Huart may be a newcomer to feature films, but his short Transylvanie earned a jury prize at SXSW 2024, signaling his flair for atmospheric tension. He’s also working on Suffer Little Children, a remake of the 1976 Spanish cult classic Who Can Kill a Child? for Paramount. If confirmed, Huart’s leap into The Conjuring universe could mark the start of a new and chilling era for the franchise. (Source: Variety)