Studio Eyes New Conjuring Prequel After Record-Breaking Last Rites — James Wan May Be Cut Out
Warner Bros. and New Line are reportedly planning a new Conjuring prequel after The Conjuring: Last Rites posted a record-breaking opening, although series creator James Wan may not be directly involved in any new film. Sources say the studio is exploring ways to keep the franchise going while talks continue over Wan’s role and compensation.
- What we know so far
- Wan, Atomic Monster and the legal picture
- Box office numbers and franchise context
What we know so far
According to a report from Puck, New Line is plotting a Conjuring prequel that would be separate from the Annabelle spinoff prequel series and a Conjuring spinoff TV show in development for HBO Max. The prequel talk comes after Last Rites performed very strongly at the box office.
Meanwhile, the film was initially promoted as the closing chapter for James Wan’s long-running Warren storyline. However, studio interest in extending the franchise appears to have led to new development plans.
Wan, Atomic Monster and the legal picture
James Wan has not directed any Conjuring films since 2016’s The Conjuring 2, though he has continued to serve as a producer across the franchise. In addition, Wan’s production company, Atomic Monster, completed a merger with Blumhouse Productions earlier this year, according to Deadline.
As Puck reports, Wan has been in talks with Warner Bros. about how much of a cut he should receive from future Conjuring productions. Therefore, any move to produce more films may depend on resolving those financial and legal discussions.
Box office numbers and franchise context
The Conjuring: Last Rites reportedly earned about $194 million worldwide, and its opening weekend has been described as the biggest in horror movie history. Specifically, news outlets noted that the film surpassed the previous opening record set by the 2017 adaptation of Stephen King’s It. For coverage of the box office milestone, see Collider.
The film is the ninth release in The Conjuring universe. Consequently, studio interest in continuing the series is consistent with Hollywood’s pattern of extending commercially successful franchises.
