Good news for The Conjuring franchise fans, it is now getting…

The horror-film universe built around the paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren is now heading into uncharted territory. After the recent entry in the franchise delivered a major global box-office haul, the producers have reportedly green-lit a prequel. This new film will rewind the story timeline, offering a fresh exploration of the Warren pair’s earlier years, and it comes together with plans for a television spin-off in the same universe.

What is the new development?

Reportedly, the film is being developed at Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema, with short-film director Rodrigue Huart in discussions to take the helm. The screenplay is being written by franchise veterans Richard Naing and Ian Goldberg, who previously co-wrote entries including The Nun II and the recent chapter. Though no final paperwork has been signed yet, the development signals the producer team is keen to continue leveraging the established horror brand.

Meanwhile, the larger cinematic universe, including spin-offs such as those centering on the Annabelle doll and on the Nun character, has now amassed a combined box-office total of around 2,18,700 million (Rs 21,870 crore), making it the most lucrative horror franchise of all time.

More on the prequel

Because the new film is described as a prequel, it’s expected to shift focus away from the characters as we know them in their later life and instead explore earlier milestones in the Warrens’ career. On top of that, the brand is expanding into television. A series in development by HBO has recently secured writer/executive producer/showrunner Nancy Won, though plot details remain tightly under wraps. The existing franchise creator, James Wan, and producer Peter Safran remain credited across the films, reinforcing continuity even as the story pivots.

Story Highlights

1. Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema are developing a prequel to The Conjuring franchise, exploring Ed and Lorraine Warren’s early years as paranormal investigators.
2. Short-film director Rodrigue Huart is in talks to direct the prequel, with Richard Naing and Ian Goldberg returning to write the screenplay.
3. The Conjuring universe has become the most lucrative horror franchise, raking in a staggering Rs 21,870 crore globally.
4. A television series is also in development at HBO, expanding the Conjuring universe with writer and executive producer Nancy Won on board.

The Conjuring franchise is expanding with a new prequel film and a television series. Following the success of The Conjuring: Last Rites, Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema have greenlit a prequel exploring the early years of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.