As whispers of otherworldly activity stir within Hollywood’s corridors, it’s been reported by The Hollywood Reporter that filmmaker Michael Chaves is currently engaged in discussions to direct the ominously anticipated final chapter of ‘The Conjuring’ series. A director who is no stranger to the chill of the supernatural, Chaves carried audiences into the depths of fear with ‘The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It’ released in 2021. His directorial acumen for invoking the sinister will yet again be called upon to carve the final scares into ‘The Conjuring’ legacy.
In addition to his illustrious work on ‘The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It’, Chaves has directed the sequel to the spine-chilling ‘The Nun’ franchise, revealing his adept ability to orchestrate hauntings from behind the camera. Now, he is poised to join forces with franchise alum David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick—who co-scribed the spell-binding narrative of the third movie alongside the master of macabre, James Wan—and take the reins for what is expected to be the ultimate descent into this dark universe.
Johnson-McGoldrick, who has left an indelible mark on ‘The Conjuring’ series, has penned the screenplay of the fourth film with the guidance of none other than Wan, who will not only cast a watchful producer’s eye on the movie but also lend his seasoned horror aesthetic to it in collaboration with Peter Safran. This dynamic team aims to summon yet another box office success, which has become a hallmark of this terrifying franchise.
The veil of secrecy drapes heavily over the details of the plot, adding a tantalizing sense of mystery that ‘Conjuring’ aficionados have come to immerse themselves in. However, certain inevitabilities remain: the relentless pursuit of the unknown by the iconic parapsychologist duo, Ed and Lorraine Warren. Audiences can expect the familiar cacophony of creaking doors, fleeting shadows, inverted crosses peculiarly adorning walls, and the spine-tingling presence of demonic entities—all woven into the narrative of this fourth installment. Portrayers of the fearless couple, Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, are slated to return, offering their soulful portrayals of the Warrens as they navigate the latest haunted tableau of their careers. Cameras are set to roll and capture the haunting in Atlanta this summer.
The meteoric rise to a cult phenomenon began modestly with ‘The Conjuring’, which was filmed with a moderate budget of $20 million. In 2013, it fiercely shattered expectations, amassing a staggering $320 million global box office take. This runaway success was not left to haunt the annals of horror cinema alone; instead, it catalyzed the creation of a ‘Conjuring’ universe, meticulously crafted through sequels, prequels, and spin-offs that have collectively eclipsed the fearsome figure of $2.1 billion in box office revenue.
These films, while heart-palpitating in their own right, have also offered a masterclass in frugality, with New Line Cinema ensuring that the capitalization on these spectral silver screen ventures would not be exorbitant in budget but monstrous in return.
The horror community is abuzz with anticipation for the final foray into ‘The Conjuring’ universe where Chaves promises to resurrect the dread that first captivated horror enthusiasts. As the final chapter nears and shadows gather in the dim corners of fans’ expectations, one thing remains clear: the Warrens, and indeed ‘The Conjuring’ series, will not depart the realm of nightmares without delivering a few final screams.
