A Heartfelt Farewell
The Conjuring: Last Rites, the fourth and final mainline film in the beloved horror franchise, is set to deliver a chilling conclusion to the saga of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. Announced on May 6, 2025, by Entertainment Weekly, this exclusive first look reveals the Warrens tackling the infamous Smurl family haunting in 1986, five years after The Devil Made Me Do It. With filming wrapped in late 2024, the September 5, 2025, release marks the end of Wilson and Farmiga’s 12-year journey, a “fake marriage” they’ve celebrated with emotional tributes on Instagram, stirring fans on X.
The Smurl Family Haunting
Set in West Pittston, Pennsylvania, Last Rites centers on the Smurl family’s terrifying ordeal from 1974 to 1989, one of the Warrens’ most documented cases. Jack and Janet Smurl, played by Elliot Cowan and Rebecca Calder, reported demonic activity in their duplex, including voices, odors, and physical attacks. The film, directed by Michael Chaves, explores this “darkest case” in the series, with the Warrens drawn out of retirement post-Ed’s heart attack. Unlike earlier films, this personal story focuses on family dynamics, including the Warrens’ grown daughter, Judy (Mia Tomlinson), and her boyfriend, Tony (Ben Hardy), alongside flashbacks of young Ed and Lorraine (Orion Smith and Madison Lawlor).
Emotional Depth and Themes
Director Michael Chaves initially considered an epic showdown with past Conjuring demons, like an Avengers: Endgame-style clash, but opted for a deeply personal narrative. “The biggest, most emotional story we could tell was the most personal story,” he told Entertainment Weekly, emphasizing the Warrens’ bond and their reckoning with mortality. Vera Farmiga hinted at a “profound moment” that makes “time stand still,” suggesting a haunting tied to their past. Exclusive images show Ed and Lorraine at a university presentation, a hearse hinting at a funeral, and eerie doppelgänger visions, adding layers of psychological horror.
Key Details at a Glance
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | September 5, 2025 |
| Director | Michael Chaves |
| Main Cast | Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Mia Tomlinson, Ben Hardy |
| Setting | 1986, West Pittston, Pennsylvania |
| Case | Smurl Family Haunting |
| Producers | James Wan, Peter Safran |
Franchise Legacy and Future
The Conjuring universe, launched by James Wan in 2013, has grossed over $2 billion across nine films, including Annabelle and The Nun spinoffs, making it horror’s highest-earning franchise. Last Rites concludes “Phase One,” with a Max TV series in development to explore new stories, possibly featuring younger Warrens, as hinted by flashback actors. While Wilson and Farmiga’s exit is bittersweet—Farmiga called it “the best arranged marriage”—producer Peter Safran leaves the door open for future cameos. Fans on X express mixed feelings, loving the duo’s chemistry but skeptical after The Devil Made Me Do It’s weaker reception.
Why It Matters
Last Rites promises to blend the franchise’s signature scares with a poignant farewell, focusing on the Warrens’ love and legacy. The Smurl case, detailed in the 1986 book The Haunted and a 1991 TV movie, offers rich lore for fans to explore. With Chaves at the helm, known for The Nun II, and a script by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, Ian Goldberg, and Richard Naing, the film aims to honor the Warrens’ real-life investigations while delivering fresh terror. Check out the first-look images on ew.com, and mark your calendars for the trailer drop on May 8, 2025. This final haunting is not to be missed