The end of an era? The Conjuring franchise, a titan in the horror world, has drawn its final curtain (for now, at least). After 12 years and nine films, the spine-chilling saga of Ed and Lorraine Warren concludes with The Conjuring: Last Rites. But what inspired the filmmakers to bring this beloved series to a close? And, perhaps more surprisingly, what does a Marvel movie have to do with it? Let's dive in.
The heart of The Conjuring's success has always been the undeniable chemistry between Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, portraying the Warrens. Their on-screen connection became the secret ingredient that kept audiences coming back for more. But even the most captivating stories must eventually reach their conclusion. Last Rites offers a definitive end to the Warrens' story, a rare move in the horror genre.
The Conjuring: Last Rites delves into the Smurl haunting case, where the Warrens confront a demon threatening a Pennsylvania family. It's a hectic, scary, and surprisingly sweet way to wrap up the series. But given the franchise's success, the decision to end it might seem surprising. According to director Michael Chaves, the discussions about concluding the Warrens' story began early in the film's development.
Chaves cites Nightmare on Elm Street as an example of a successful horror franchise that didn't receive a proper ending, with the studio simply ceasing production. New Line Cinema and executive Dave Neustadter made the strategic decision to end the franchise while it was still at its peak. This guided the entire production of Last Rites.
But here's where it gets interesting... The inspiration for the definitive ending of Last Rites came from a rather unexpected source: Logan, one of the best Marvel movies.
Chaves and his team were inspired by the idea of the Warrens' daughter continuing her own adventures, carrying on her parents' legacy. This approach, mirroring the ending of Logan, allowed the filmmakers to close the Warrens' story while hinting at the continuation of their legacy through their daughter. The influence of Logan on blockbuster franchises isn't unique; even Avengers: Endgame drew inspiration from how Logan concluded its long-running narrative.
And this is the part most people miss... While Last Rites was marketed as the final film, the director acknowledges the possibility of future installments, emphasizing the importance of audience demand. The team treated Last Rites as the series finale, which enhanced the story's impact. Chaves consistently reminded everyone of this throughout the production and marketing phases.
The Conjuring: Last Rites is now available on digital platforms. The 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD versions will be released on November 25, 2025.
Controversy & Comment Hooks: What do you think about the decision to end the Conjuring franchise? Do you believe it was the right move, or would you have preferred more films? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
