Get ready to be spooked—The Conjuring: Last Rites has not only shattered box office records but is now dominating the HBO Max streaming charts, all while a new prequel looms on the horizon. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite being billed as the final chapter in the beloved horror series, the film’s massive success has sparked debates among fans and critics alike. Is it truly the end, or just another twist in the franchise’s eerie journey? Let’s dive in.
Released in 2025, The Conjuring: Last Rites became the highest-grossing installment in the franchise, raking in a staggering $494.5 million worldwide. Now, it’s proving its staying power by climbing to the #1 spot on HBO Max’s top 10 movies chart. Directed by Michael Chaves and starring Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as the iconic Ed and Lorraine Warren, the film revisits one of the couple’s most chilling real-life cases—the Smurl haunting. This time, however, the Warrens face a demon with a personal vendetta, tied to their past investigations. It’s a gripping tale that blends horror with emotional depth, though opinions remain divided on whether it’s a fitting conclusion to the series.
And this is the part most people miss: while Last Rites was marketed as the finale, HBO Max is already developing a prequel inspired by flashback scenes from the film. This raises questions about the franchise’s future—will it truly end, or is this just a new beginning? The prequel, reportedly directed by short-film veteran Rodrigue Huart, is shrouded in mystery. Richard Naing and Ian Goldberg, who co-wrote Last Rites, are penning the script, but James Wan, the mastermind behind the franchise, is notably absent due to pay disputes. Whether Wilson and Farmiga will return in any capacity remains unclear, adding another layer of intrigue.
Meanwhile, the Conjuring universe is expanding beyond the big screen. An HBO television series is in the works, helmed by Nancy Won, known for her work on Jessica Jones and Supernatural. Though details are scarce, the series promises to explore new corners of the Warrens’ haunted world. But with so many projects in development, one can’t help but wonder: is the franchise spreading itself too thin, or is this the perfect way to keep the horror alive?
For now, fans can relive the terror by streaming The Conjuring: Last Rites on HBO Max, alongside the entire Conjuring franchise, including The Nun, Annabelle, and The Curse of La Llorona. But as we await the prequel and TV series, here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is the Conjuring franchise better off ending on a high note, or does its continued expansion risk diluting its impact? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this haunting debate!
