‘The Conjuring’ prequel in development after ‘Last Rites’ smashes franchise box office record

The haunted saga of Ed and Lorraine Warren is far from over. Following the massive success of "The Conjuring: Last Rites", which became the franchise's highest-grossing instalment with a global haul of $487 million, Warner Bros and New Line Cinema have begun developing a new prequel film in the supernatural universe.

Emerging filmmaker Rodrigue Huart, best known for his award-winning short "Transylvanie", is reportedly in talks to direct. Returning to the project are screenwriters Richard Naing and Ian Goldberg, who co-wrote "The Nun II" and "The Conjuring: Last Rites". While discussions are ongoing, no official deals have been finalised yet.

Originally marketed as the concluding chapter of the long-running horror saga, "Last Rites'" runaway success has prompted the studio to continue expanding what has become the highest-grossing horror franchise in history — spanning nine films and generating over $2.7 billion worldwide. The series, which includes spin-offs like "Annabelle" and "The Nun", was created by James Wan, with Peter Safran producing each entry.

In addition to the prequel, HBO is developing a television adaptation set in The Conjuring universe. The untitled series will build on the films' mythology, with Nancy Won attached as writer, executive producer, and showrunner.

Meanwhile, Huart is also working on "Suffer Little Children", a Paramount remake of the 1976 Spanish horror classic "Who Can Kill a Child?" — suggesting that the rising director may soon become a major name in modern horror.