The Conjuring: Last Rites: A Powerful Finale to Horror’s Most Successful Franchise

A Monumental Farewell to the Warrens

The horror genre is preparing to bid farewell to two of its most beloved heroic characters, Ed and Lorraine Warren, with the release of The Conjuring: Last Rites – though fans should note this doesn’t mark the end of the Conjuring Universe itself.

Warner Bros.’ latest supernatural thriller is set to make a powerful impact at the box office, eyeing a $40M+ domestic and $80M+ worldwide opening. The film will screen across 3,700 theaters in U.S./Canada and 15,500 screens abroad in 66 territories, including major markets like Korea, Germany, Italy, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Spain and the UK. The movie will benefit from premium format showings including IMAX, Dolby, PLFs and Motion Seat ticket upcharges.

A Legacy of Horror

The Conjuring Universe has established itself as an American horror franchise and shared universe centered on supernatural horror films. Produced by New Line Cinema, Atomic Monster, and the Safran Company, and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, the films dramatize the supposed real-life cases of Ed and Lorraine Warren, paranormal investigators who assisted people troubled by spiritual entities.

The franchise has achieved remarkable commercial success, generating $2.2 billion against a combined budget of $208 million, making it the highest-grossing horror franchise to date.

The Final Chapter

Under the direction of Michael Chaves, Last Rites will document Ed and Lorraine Warren’s final significant case, delving into the infamous Smurl haunting. The story involves all the classic elements fans have come to expect – evil presences, haunted attics, and mysterious messages – while following a family who endured supernatural torment for over a decade.

While this may mark the end of an era, New Line Cinema has already announced at CinemaCon their active development of a second phase of films to follow Last Rites, with possibilities including stories about Judy Warren’s real-life experiences.

The film promises more than just scares, weaving a rich narrative that explores themes of love, loss, and courage while delivering a powerful and satisfying conclusion that ties together long-standing storylines and character arcs.