The Conjuring franchise is returning with its fourth and final chapter, officially titled The Conjuring: Last Rites. Set for theatrical release on September 5, 2025, this film is expected to bring a chilling conclusion to the journey of Ed and Lorraine Warren, the real-life paranormal investigators whose cases inspired one of the most successful horror franchises in modern cinema. With its powerful legacy, terrifying true-story inspirations, and a return to classic supernatural horror, The Conjuring: Last Rites is already among the most anticipated horror films of the decade.
In this blog, we will explore every confirmed detail about the upcoming film — from its cast, story, and trailer, to its place in the franchise and the real case it is based on.
The Legacy of The Conjuring Trilogy
Before diving into the new chapter, it’s important to understand the impact the original three Conjuring films had on horror cinema.
- The Conjuring (2013) directed by James Wan, was a critical and commercial hit. It revived interest in supernatural horror with its chilling tone, tight storytelling, and deeply emotional performances by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. The film grossed over $320 million worldwide on a $20 million budget.
- The Conjuring 2 (2016) explored the famous Enfield poltergeist case in England. It successfully built on the first film’s foundation, earning strong reviews and crossing $320 million globally. It deepened the emotional bond between Ed and Lorraine, making them the emotional centre of the franchise.
- The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021), although slightly more divisive in tone due to its courtroom-drama structure, still performed well and grossed $206 million during the pandemic-affected box office climate. It showcased the 1981 case of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, the first time demonic possession was used as a legal defence in a US courtroom.
Together, these three films not only created a consistent horror trilogy but also laid the foundation for an expanded cinematic universe.
The Conjuring 4: Title and Release Date
The fourth main installment is officially titled The Conjuring: Last Rites. It is scheduled to hit theatres worldwide on September 5, 2025. Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema confirmed this as the final entry in the main storyline featuring the Warrens.
The film is directed by Michael Chaves, who previously directed The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It and The Nun II. The screenplay is written by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, with contributions from Ian Goldberg and Richard Naing.
The Trailer: What It Reveals
The first teaser trailer for The Conjuring: Last Rites has already made waves online. It opens with a shot of an aging Ed Warren walking through a dimly lit hallway, while Lorraine appears disturbed during a séance. The trailer flashes through familiar moments from previous films — such as the Perron family exorcism and the Enfield haunting — reminding viewers of what is at stake.
The most notable part of the trailer is a tense exorcism scene involving a young girl screaming in Latin while the walls of her home crack and bleed. There are subtle hints that the Warrens themselves may become the victims this time, as Lorraine is shown collapsing during a vision.
The trailer ends with Ed whispering: “This is not just another haunting. This is a war.” This line suggests a deeper, more personal conflict, one that could test the couple’s faith and strength like never before.
Plot: A Real-Life Horror Story
The Conjuring: Last Rites is set in 1986, a few years after the events of the third film. The movie is based on the Smurl haunting, one of the most terrifying and controversial cases investigated by the Warrens.
The Smurl family, who lived in West Pittston, Pennsylvania, claimed that their home was plagued by violent supernatural activity. These included black shadows moving through walls, sudden foul odours, scratches, violent shaking of furniture, levitations, and even sexual assaults. The family reportedly experienced attacks from invisible entities for over 15 years.
According to Ed and Lorraine Warren, the house was haunted by four spirits, one of which was a demonic force. The haunting was so intense that it attracted national media attention and led to public debates between skeptics and believers.
This case is ideal for a Conjuring film because it blends psychological horror, possession, and the emotional impact of a family being torn apart by an unseen evil — the exact elements that define the franchise.
Cast and Returning Characters
The film will once again feature Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson as Lorraine and Ed Warren. Their performances have been central to the franchise’s success, and Last Rites will likely serve as their final portrayal of the paranormal couple.
The cast also includes:
- Mia Tomlinson as the adult Judy Warren
- Ben Hardy as Tony Spera, Judy’s fiancé and future son-in-law to the Warrens
- Shannon Kook returns as Drew Thomas, the Warrens’ trusted assistant
- Steve Coulter reprises his role as Father Gordon
- Other cast members include Rebecca Calder, Beau Gadsdon, Elliot Cowan, Kíla Lord Cassidy, and John Brotherton in undisclosed roles
Filming and Production
Filming began in September 2024 in London and was completed by November 2024. Michael Chaves has hinted that the tone of this film will be more in line with The Conjuring and The Conjuring 2, focusing on haunted house horror rather than courtroom drama.
The film is produced by James Wan and Peter Safran, two of the leading names behind the success of the horror franchise. The musical score is composed by Benjamin Wallfisch, whose haunting themes have become iconic throughout the series.
The End of an Era
Warner Bros. has confirmed that The Conjuring: Last Rites will be the final installment in the mainline Conjuring story. This doesn’t mean the entire Conjuring Universe is ending. Spinoffs such as Annabelle, The Nun, and other new properties may continue to explore stories from the Warrens’ case files.
However, this film will likely bring closure to the characters of Ed and Lorraine Warren, offering both horror and emotional payoff for fans who have followed their journey since 2013.
The fourth main installment is officially titled The Conjuring: Last Rites. It is scheduled to hit theatres worldwide on September 5, 2025. Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema confirmed this as the final entry in the main storyline featuring the Warrens.
According to Ed and Lorraine Warren, the house was haunted by four spirits, one of which was a demonic force. The haunting was so intense that it attracted national media attention and led to public debates between skeptics and believers.
This case is ideal for a Conjuring film because it blends psychological horror, possession, and the emotional impact of a family being torn apart by an unseen evil — the exact elements that define the franchise.
Cast and Returning Characters
Filming began in September 2024 in London and was completed by November 2024. Michael Chaves has hinted that the tone of this film will be more in line with The Conjuring and The Conjuring 2, focusing on haunted house horror rather than courtroom drama.
The film is produced by James Wan and Peter Safran, two of the leading names behind the success of the horror franchise. The musical score is composed by Benjamin Wallfisch, whose haunting themes have become iconic throughout the series.
The End of an Era
Warner Bros. has confirmed that The Conjuring: Last Rites will be the final installment in the mainline Conjuring story. This doesn’t mean the entire Conjuring Universe is ending. Spinoffs such as Annabelle, The Nun, and other new properties may continue to explore stories from the Warrens’ case files.
However, this film will likely bring closure to the characters of Ed and Lorraine Warren, offering both horror and emotional payoff for fans who have followed their journey since 2013.
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