The Conjuring: Last Rites, slated for release on September 5, 2025, promises to close the chilling chapter of Ed and Lorraine Warren’s paranormal investigations, marking the ninth film in the Conjuring Universe. Warner Bros. has confirmed the project, directed by Michael Chaves, who previously helmed The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. This final installment, centered on the beloved ghost-hunting duo, is generating buzz as fans anticipate a haunting farewell or a potential bridge to new stories in the franchise.
Details about Last Rites reveal a continuation of the series’ signature blend of horror and emotional depth. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga are set to reprise their roles as Ed and Lorraine Warren, bringing their 12-year portrayal to a close. The title, “Last Rites,” suggests a spiritually charged case, possibly tied to a church-based exorcism or demonic encounter. “This one’s different it’s about reckoning,” Farmiga told Entertainment Weekly, hinting at a profound moment in the Warrens’ lives. The film, set in 1986, follows the Warrens post-retirement as they tackle the infamous Smurl family haunting in West Pittston, Pennsylvania, a case marked by eerie odors, physical attacks, and a demonic presence.
Fan speculation is rife, with many wondering if the film will depict the death of Ed or Lorraine, though Wilson clarified he didn’t want Ed “on death’s door,” given the real-life Ed lived until 2006. Others speculate whether Last Rites could launch a new spin-off, building on the Conjuring Universe’s $2 billion legacy, which includes Annabelle, The Nun, and The Curse of La Llorona. The Smurl case, previously adapted in 1991’s The Haunted, involves a family tormented by supernatural forces, offering a return to the franchise’s haunted-house roots.
Key elements of Last Rites include:
- Emotional Core: Judy Warren, played by Mia Tomlinson, and her boyfriend Tony (Ben Hardy) add a family dynamic.
- Real-Life Horror: The Smurl haunting, with its documented terror, grounds the story.
- Franchise Ties: Flashbacks with younger Warrens connect to earlier films.
As the Conjuring Universe concludes its first phase, fans are eager to see if Last Rites will be the scariest farewell in horror history or a setup for a thrilling reboot.
