Say goodbye to one of horror’s most beloved couples—Ed and Lorraine Warren. The Conjuring franchise is officially closing its chapter, and it’s doing so in a way that’s both bold and bittersweet. After 12 years and nine spine-chilling films, The Conjuring: Last Rites delivers a definitive ending to their story, a rarity in the horror genre. But here’s where it gets intriguing: the inspiration behind this final installment comes from an unexpected source—one of Marvel’s most acclaimed movies, Logan.
The Warrens’ journey has always been about more than just ghosts and demons; it’s their unshakable bond that’s kept audiences hooked. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga’s on-screen chemistry has been the secret sauce of the franchise, blending heartwarming moments with bone-chilling scares. But as all great stories must, theirs is coming to a close—and it’s surprisingly sweet, even as it terrifies. The Conjuring: Last Rites tackles the Smurl haunting case, where Ed and Lorraine face a demon threatening not just a Pennsylvania family, but their own legacy. It’s a hectic, emotional, and fitting finale.
But why end it now? Given the franchise’s massive success, wrapping it up seems almost counterintuitive—unless you’re director Michael Chaves. In an exclusive interview with /Film’s Jacob Hall, Chaves revealed that the decision to end the Warrens’ story was intentional, a move inspired by franchises like A Nightmare on Elm Street, which never got the closure it deserved. “Let’s end this while we’re strong, on our own terms,” Chaves explained, echoing the studio’s mindset. And this is the part most people miss: the definitive ending of Last Rites was directly inspired by Logan, James Mangold’s gritty superhero masterpiece.
Logan’s ability to close a long-running story while leaving room for legacy resonated deeply with Chaves. He envisioned audiences imagining the Warrens’ daughter carrying on their work, much like how Logan hinted at the future of the X-Men. It’s a clever nod to one of Marvel’s best, and it’s not the first time Logan has influenced blockbusters—even Avengers: Endgame drew inspiration from its approach to finales. But is this really the end? When asked about future films, Chaves left the door open: “Let the audience ask for more.” And given the franchise’s popularity, they probably will.
Yet, everyone involved treated Last Rites as the final chapter, a decision that elevated the storytelling. “We reminded ourselves at every stage: this is the last chapter,” Chaves said. “It brought up everyone’s game.” Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer, The Conjuring: Last Rites is a must-watch—now available digitally, with 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD releases set for November 25, 2025.
Controversial question: Did The Conjuring franchise truly need to end, or should it have continued exploring new cases with the Warrens? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—and don’t forget to share your favorite moment from the series!
