The first trailer for The Conjuring: Last Rites, released on May 8, 2025, offers a chilling glimpse into the final chapter of Ed and Lorraine Warren’s paranormal investigations, set for theatrical release on September 5, 2025. Directed by Michael Chaves, the film stars Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as the renowned demonologist and clairvoyant tackling the Smurl family haunting, a real-life case from Pennsylvania that spanned 1974 to 1989. Set in 1986, the story begins with the Warrens retired due to Ed’s health issues but drawn back for one last case involving a demonic entity. The trailer, accompanied by a featurette, highlights the emotional weight of the franchise’s conclusion, marking the end of “Phase One” of The Conjuring Universe. New Line Cinema’s ninth installment promises a personal yet terrifying narrative, with a cast including Ben Hardy and Mia Tomlinson. Fans expressed excitement on social media, noting the trailer’s eerie tone and the Warrens’ enduring chemistry. The film’s score, composed by Benjamin Wallfisch, adds to the suspense, building on his work in prior horror hits.
- Release date: September 5, 2025, in theaters.
- Core cast: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Ben Hardy, Mia Tomlinson.
- Setting: 1986, focusing on the Smurl family haunting.
- Franchise milestone: Ninth film, concluding “Phase One.”
Smurl family haunting details
The Conjuring: Last Rites centers on the Smurl family haunting, a case that gripped West Pittston, Pennsylvania, for over a decade. Jack and Janet Smurl claimed their home was plagued by four spirits, one of which Lorraine Warren identified as a demonic entity manipulating the others. The haunting began in 1974 with strange noises, foul odors, and objects moving inexplicably, escalating to physical attacks by 1985. The Warrens investigated in 1986, documenting phenomena like shadowy figures and levitating furniture.
The Smurl case drew national attention, inspiring books and a 1991 TV movie, Haunted. The family sought help from the Catholic Church, which conducted exorcisms, though the disturbances persisted until 1989. Skeptics questioned the claims, citing psychological factors, but the Warrens maintained the presence of a malevolent force. The film adapts this case into a fictionalized narrative, emphasizing the Warrens’ emotional journey.
- Key events: Noises, odors, physical attacks reported from 1974 to 1989.
- Warrens’ role: Investigated in 1986, confirmed demonic activity.
- Publicity: Case inspired a book and 1991 TV movie.
Behind-the-scenes insights
Filming for The Conjuring: Last Rites wrapped in late 2024, with director Michael Chaves emphasizing a personal story over a sprawling demonic showdown. Chaves, who also directed The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It and The Nun II, collaborated with writers Ian Goldberg, Richard Naing, and David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick. The script, co-authored by James Wan, draws from the Warrens’ case files while crafting an original story. Producer Peter Safran described the film as a culmination, likening its narrative weight to Avengers: Endgame.
A featurette released alongside the trailer shows Wilson and Farmiga reflecting on their 12-year journey as the Warrens. Wan, who produced the film with Safran, called it “the end of an era” for the franchise. The production tested exceptionally well, with New Line Cinema’s Richard Brener noting strong audience reactions to early cuts.
Franchise legacy
The Conjuring Universe, launched in 2013, has grossed over $2.2 billion against a $208 million budget, making it the highest-earning horror franchise. The main series includes The Conjuring (2013), The Conjuring 2 (2016), and The Devil Made Me Do It (2021), with spin-offs like Annabelle, Annabelle: Creation, Annabelle Comes Home, The Nun, and The Nun II. Last Rites, as the ninth film, closes the core storyline centered on Ed and Lorraine Warren.
The franchise dramatizes the Warrens’ real-life investigations, though their claims, including the Smurl case, have faced skepticism. The series’ success lies in its blend of emotional storytelling and supernatural scares, anchored by Wilson and Farmiga’s portrayals. New Line Cinema plans a “Phase Two” with new stories, potentially exploring spin-off characters like the Crooked Man.
Cast and new additions
Patrick Wilson returns as Ed Warren, a demonologist battling health issues, while Vera Farmiga reprises her role as Lorraine, a clairvoyant medium. New cast members include Ben Hardy, known for Bohemian Rhapsody, and Mia Tomlinson, from The Beast Must Die, though their roles remain undisclosed. Additional actors, such as Rebecca Calder, Elliot Cowan, and Kíla Lord Cassidy, join the ensemble, likely portraying characters tied to the Smurl family or supernatural entities.
The expanded cast aims to deepen the narrative, with Chaves focusing on personal stakes. Hardy’s casting has sparked fan speculation about a significant supporting role, possibly a family member or a priest, given the case’s religious elements. Tomlinson’s involvement adds fresh talent to the franchise’s horror legacy.
- Returning stars: Wilson and Farmiga as Ed and Lorraine Warren.
- New faces: Ben Hardy, Mia Tomlinson, Rebecca Calder.
- Speculated roles: Hardy may play a Smurl family member or cleric.
Trailer highlights
The trailer, released on May 8, 2025, opens with the Warrens in retirement, only to be drawn into the Smurl haunting. It features eerie visuals of a shadowy figure, flickering lights, and a levitating bed, set to Wallfisch’s haunting score. A chilling moment shows Lorraine warning, “Once you start this, there’s no going back,” hinting at irreversible consequences. The trailer emphasizes the Warrens’ bond, with Ed’s health struggles adding emotional depth.
Fan reactions on social media platforms praised the trailer’s dark tone and the Smurl case’s unsettling details. Posts highlighted the chemistry between Wilson and Farmiga, with one user calling it “a haunting farewell.” The trailer avoids revealing the full plot, keeping the demonic entity’s nature vague to heighten anticipation.
Director’s vision
Michael Chaves, a veteran of The Conjuring Universe, brings a seasoned perspective to Last Rites. His prior work on The Curse of La Llorona and The Nun II honed his ability to balance horror with character-driven storytelling. Chaves told interviewers that he rejected an “all-demons” finale in favor of a grounded, emotional narrative, focusing on the Warrens’ personal sacrifices.
The director worked closely with cinematographer Michael Burgess, who shot The Nun II, to create a visually distinct film. Chaves aimed to make Last Rites the “darkest” case, amplifying the Smurl haunting’s intensity through practical effects and atmospheric lighting. The film’s 1986 setting adds a nostalgic layer, with period-specific details like rotary phones and wood-paneled interiors.
Production and development
Development for Last Rites began before The Devil Made Me Do It’s 2021 release, with Chaves hinting at a new chapter for the Warrens. In October 2022, New Line Cinema confirmed the fourth film, with Johnson-McGoldrick writing the screenplay. Wan and Safran, producers since the franchise’s start, oversaw the project, ensuring continuity. Filming took place in 2024, primarily in Los Angeles, with additional scenes shot in Pennsylvania to capture the Smurl case’s setting.
The production faced challenges, including coordinating a large ensemble cast and recreating 1980s aesthetics. The team used practical effects for supernatural sequences, such as levitating objects, to maintain the franchise’s tactile horror style. Test screenings in early 2025 reportedly scored high, boosting Warner Bros.’ confidence in the film.
- Filming locations: Los Angeles and Pennsylvania in 2024.
- Production team: Wan, Safran, and Chaves lead the project.
- Effects approach: Emphasis on practical effects for authenticity.
Fan and industry reactions
Social media buzz following the trailer’s release underscored the franchise’s loyal fanbase. Users expressed bittersweet excitement, noting the end of Wilson and Farmiga’s tenure. One post described the trailer as “chilling yet emotional,” while another praised the Smurl case’s historical basis. Industry insiders lauded the film’s potential, with New Line’s Richard Brener highlighting its strong test scores.
The Conjuring Universe has cultivated a dedicated following, with fans creating fan-made trailers as early as 2024. The official trailer’s debut quelled speculation, offering a polished look at the film. Horror outlets predicted a strong box office performance, citing the franchise’s $2.2 billion global haul.
Historical basis of the Smurl case
The Smurl haunting, one of the Warrens’ most publicized cases, involved Jack and Janet Smurl’s family in a duplex home. From 1974, they reported footsteps, voices, and a foul stench, which worsened over time. By 1985, the family claimed physical assaults, including Janet being pushed down stairs. The Warrens’ 1986 investigation concluded that a demonic entity orchestrated the disturbances, using lesser spirits to amplify its presence.
The case sparked debate, with skeptics suggesting environmental factors or mass hysteria. The Smurl family’s persistence, including multiple exorcisms, kept the story in the public eye. The film takes creative liberties, framing the haunting as the Warrens’ final challenge, but retains core elements like the demonic presence and religious intervention.
Franchise’s cultural footprint
The Conjuring Universe has shaped modern horror, blending jump scares with emotional narratives. The first film, released in 2013, earned $319 million on a $20 million budget, setting a template for subsequent entries. The series’ focus on the Warrens’ marriage, portrayed with authenticity by Wilson and Farmiga, distinguishes it from other horror franchises. Spin-offs expanded the universe, introducing characters like Annabelle and Valak, though the main series remains the cornerstone.
Last Rites arrives amid a crowded 2025 horror slate, including Saw XI and The Black Phone 2. Its September release, a shift from the summer slots of prior films, aligns with The Nun’s successful fall openings. The film’s theatrical exclusivity, bypassing simultaneous streaming, reflects Warner Bros.’ confidence in its draw.
Marketing and anticipation
Warner Bros. launched the Last Rites marketing campaign with a featurette and first-look images on May 6, 2025, followed by the trailer. The featurette, featuring Wan, Wilson, and Farmiga, emphasized the franchise’s legacy and the film’s emotional stakes. Promotional materials highlight the Smurl case’s real-life roots, appealing to fans of true-crime horror. The studio plans additional trailers closer to the release, likely revealing more plot details.
Social media campaigns, including hashtags like #TheConjuringLastRites, have amplified anticipation. Fan events, such as screenings of past films, are scheduled in select cities. The trailer’s release trended on platforms, with users sharing clips and analyzing supernatural imagery, signaling robust engagement.
- Marketing launch: Featurette and images released on May 6, 2025.
- Social media: #TheConjuringLastRites trended post-trailer.
- Fan events: Screenings planned in major U.S. cities.
