After 12 years of confronting supernatural forces, Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga have concluded the Conjuring series. Although the final film, “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” marks the end of their run as Ed and Lorraine Warren, both actors reflect on the journey not with sorrow, but with profound gratitude.
Wilson, who plays Ed Warren, the loyal demonologist, ended production without a spectacular farewell. “There’s only so many times you can say, ‘This is the worst case we’ve ever had!’” he joked in an interview. Similarly, Farmiga, the empathetic clairvoyant Lorraine, saw her rosary break on set — a symbolic sign of closure, perhaps.
The Bond That Outlasts the Demons
Even while on separate continents — Wilson filming in Georgia and Farmiga working in Budapest — the duo maintains a strong connection. They don’t just act as spiritual warriors on screen; they also built a real-life bond forged through years of emotionally taxing performances.
In a heartfelt statement, Farmiga said, “I will miss Patrick the most.” He vibes with my brain in a way that’s rare.” Meanwhile, Wilson admitted he couldn’t imagine the experience without her. Their friendship became the emotional heartbeat of the franchise.
Crafting the Final Chapter
Director Michael Chaves, who previously led “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” and “The Nun II,” considered several over-the-top ideas for the final film. However, the team ultimately chose a more grounded approach — one that centers deeply on Ed and Lorraine.
According to executive producer James Wan, “The family dynamic and the faith they place in each other are what fans have loved all along.” “Last Rites” captures those emotional foundations more than any previous installment.
Revisiting a Real-Life Haunting
Set in 1986, the film returns to the franchise’s core: a chilling supernatural case. The Warrens, now semi-retired due to Ed’s health, investigate one of their most publicized cases — the Smurl family haunting in Pennsylvania.
Jack and Janet Smurl claimed that their home had been plagued by everything from foul smells to ghostly assaults. These claims sparked national interest, appearing on programs like “Larry King Live”. Now, “Last Rites” brings this haunting to the screen, with actors Rebecca Calder and Elliot Cowan portraying the embattled couple.
Reconnecting With Family and Legacy
The story doesn’t only focus on external hauntings; it also explores internal reckonings. Audiences will meet a grown-up Judy Warren, played by Mia Tomlinson, who brings a fresh emotional depth. Judy, who lived her whole life surrounded by cursed objects and spiritual trauma, introduces her boyfriend, Tony (played by Ben Hardy), to her unique family.
Judy acts as a mirror, reflecting the effects of Ed and Lorraine’s legacy, according to director Chaves. “Judy has always been the quiet force behind Lorraine,” says actress Vera Farmiga. She’s inherited the sensitivity, and that deepens Lorraine’s concern as a mother.”
Emotional Anchors and Spiritual Themes
Although earlier films like “The Devil Made Me Do It” leaned toward true crime, “Last Rites” returns to the series’ spiritual essence. It explores the weight of legacy, the toll of belief, and the burden of spiritual gifts. Patrick Wilson adds, “I didn’t want Ed to be on death’s door this time. He lived 25 more years after this case, so we wanted to explore the quieter aftermath of fame and faith.”
Through symbolic moments, including eerie visions of younger versions of Ed and Lorraine, the film invites viewers to confront mortality and memory. “You’re forced to look in the mirror,” Wilson says. “And the reflection isn’t always kind.”
The Faces Behind the Hauntings
Beyond the Warrens, “The Conjuring” franchise introduced a lineup of unforgettable entities. While some, like Annabelle and Valak, grew into horror icons with spin-offs, others faded into obscurity. Characters like The Crooked Man and The Beast never got the standalone films their creators once envisioned.
Still, James Wan holds hope. “I’d love to explore The Crooked Man’s story someday,” he shares. “The fans ask for it constantly.”
From Horror Flick to Pop Culture Legacy
When the first “Conjuring” hit theaters in 2013, few predicted its massive success. Competing with summer blockbusters, it still managed to terrify audiences and dominate the box office. The now-iconic “Hide and Clap” scene remains one of horror’s most chilling sequences.
Its impact extended far beyond ticket sales. Farmiga frequently receives fan art and stories inspired by the series. “There’s fan fiction, poems, letters — people connected deeply with these characters,” she notes. That kind of engagement helped sustain the franchise over a decade.
The Future of the Franchise
While “Last Rites” serves as a definitive close for Ed and Lorraine’s story, the world of “The Conjuring” may continue. HBO has a series in early development, and producers hint at a potential “Phase Two” for the universe.
Producer Peter Safran explained, “It’s the end for Patrick and Vera, but not necessarily for the Conjuring world. There’s still room for new stories.”
Even so, both Wilson and Farmiga are ready to move on. “It’s time,” Farmiga declares. “Time to trade clairvoyance for crossword puzzles. They’re going to Turks and Caicos, baby — and so am I.”
“The Conjuring: Last Rites” isn’t just a supernatural thriller; it’s a tribute to a decade of storytelling, character building, and emotional resilience. As Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson take their final bows, fans are left with a heartfelt conclusion that honors the past while leaving the door ajar for what’s to come.