The grand finale: first images and the trailer for "Conjuring 4: Last Rites"

The grand finale is imminent: Ed and Lorrain Warren take on ghosts and demons one last time in "Conjuring 4: Last Rites". The first trailer will be released this Thursday – and a series of images are already available!

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly magazine, lead actor Patrick Wilson reported that things will really kick off towards the end:

"This is the worst case we've ever had!"

His acting partner Vera Farmiga added that their rosary literally fell apart on set.

The deep, personal connection between the two main characters is at the heart of the entire "Conjuring" series – a constant in a universe full of demons, hauntings and supernatural escalations. Director Michael Chaves emphasizes that it is precisely this intimate dynamic that makes the final film so special. Instead of going for a bombastic crossover with all the familiar horror characters from the universe, a personal story was chosen that returns to the roots of the series.

The plot and a return to the roots

"Last Rites" is set in 1986 and is based on one of the most famous cases of the real Warrens: the haunting of the Smurl family. Their tale of woe in a house in Pennsylvania caused a media sensation in the 1980s. Rebecca Calder and Elliot Cowan take on the roles of Janet and Jack Smurl. The movie will also feature flashbacks of the young versions of Ed and Lorraine. Daughter Judy – now played as a young adult by Mia Tomlinson – will also play a key emotional role. Lorraine sees in her the "light" that has carried her through all these years. The burdensome reality of growing up as a child in a house full of cursed objects gives Judy's character a new, dark depth.

Even though the franchise has long since created its own universe with spin-offs such as "Annabelle", "The Nun" and "The Curse of La Llorona", "Last Rites" returns to what really defines the series: not the demons, but the humanity. The love, trust and burden that Ed and Lorraine shared – portrayed by two actors who have long since become more than colleagues. James Wan, the creator of the "Conjuring" series, sums it up aptly:

"The beating heart of this franchise is Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson playing Ed and Lorraine."

Cast and crew

The film will be directed by Michael Chaves, a proven veteran of the "Conjuring" universe. He was previously responsible for "The Conjuring 3", "The Nun 2" and "The Curse of La Llorona". James Wan, the creator of the series, will take over production. The screenplay was penned by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, who also wrote the screenplays for the previous installments.

Further Conjuring projects

Although "Last Rites" marks the conclusion of the main series, the "Conjuring" universe is far from over. Michael Chaves has already indicated that there is plenty of potential for further stories. For example, a "Conjuring" series has also been commissioned to take place after the films.

The decision to conclude the main series with part 4 is entirely understandable. The Warrens, whose story is supposedly based on true events, are already getting on in years. Another film with the aged actors would be difficult to make credible. However, the end of the main series also opens up new opportunities to expand the "Conjuring" universe and tell new stories. The demon Valak in particular could continue to cause fear and terror.

The previous spin-offs, such as "Annabelle" and "The Nun", have already proven that the franchise also works outside of the Warrens and inspires a large audience. It remains to be seen whether "The Conjuring 4: Last Rites" can build on the success of its predecessors and provide the series with a worthy finale.

The start date of Conjuring 4

James Wan published the first set image on his Instagram profile in October 2024. Filming was completed in November 2024. We don't have to wait too much longer: Part 4 is due to be released on September 5, 2025.