The Conjuring Universe: A New Horror Franchise Set to Rival Marvel’s Phases!

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Since 2013, the horror universe known as “The Conjuring Universe” has grown exponentially, suggesting that it’s going to expand even further. The initial film, helmed by James Wan, introduced us to the paranormal investigator duo, the Warrens, and set the stage for spin-offs and future installments. These plans have proven fruitful, with “The Conjuring” developing into a significant horror franchise poised for even greater growth. As per Richard Brener, the head of New Line Cinema, more films in the “Conjuring” series are on the horizon, and there’s even talk of it becoming a franchise as expansive as Marvel’s.

Enthusiasts of horror movies are bound to rejoice with the recent announcements by Brener, the President and Chief Creative Officer of New Line Cinema. Known for producing acclaimed franchises like the Academy Award-winning The Lord of the Rings, as well as iconic horror series such as A Nightmare on Elm Street, Evil Dead, and Final Destination, Brener shared insights from his 30-year career at New Line during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter at CinemaCon. During the conversation, he highlighted the enduring horror franchises that continue to thrive within the studios’ corridors. In discussing The Conjuring, Brener disclosed several details about the upcoming film The Conjuring: Last Rites, which is slated for release on September 5, 2025. He also subtly suggested that it could be the final installment in “phase one”.

The testing is extraordinarily high, and we’re still at the director’s cut stage, which is typically a time when filmmakers are extremely anxious about their movie’s progress. We’re just starting out in this process, working with preliminary visual effects, but it’s already off the charts impressive. Although this is the end of phase one, we’re optimistic that there might be more to come.

Any individual familiar with contemporary blockbuster movie production will swiftly identify the term “phase one” and its connection to the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe). In a sense, The Conjuring Universe shares some characteristics that have made the MCU famous for presenting diverse perspectives within the superhero genre. This diversity is reflected in different directors, varied tones, and contrasting box office outcomes. Therefore, Brener’s comments align with numerous studios who recognize the value in franchises and their subsequent expansions. The Hollywood Reporter sought additional details, even asking if they were planning an MCU-like approach for The Conjuring, to which Brener responded, “The future phase is yet to be determined.

‘The Conjuring Universe’ Is New Line Cinema’s Horror Cash Cow

Besides being famously known as “The House Freddy Built,” New Line Cinema stands out uniquely in the current horror film industry due to its production model, a rarity compared to Blumhouse Productions and A24. Notably, New Line benefits from the backing of its parent company, Warner Bros., which has undergone significant transformations over the years. It’s worth mentioning that they own blockbuster horror franchises like “It” and “The Conjuring,” two of the most financially successful horror series ever made.

Apart from being known for blockbuster horror movies, New Line Cinema is also associated with lesser-acknowledged original horror films that didn’t rake in hundreds of millions at the box office. However, they continue their strategy of seeking the next big horror success to rival James Wan’s 2013 achievement with The Conjuring. Despite the slim chances, Brener affirmed that New Line won’t be shutting down its horror production line any time soon.

We’ve got an exciting pipeline filled with fantastic projects, and we’re not just stopping there. We’re also producing the second “Evil Dead” movie, with aspirations for a third as well. Additionally, there are some entirely new concepts that you might not be aware of yet. If these projects succeed, we anticipate creating several sequels.

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2025-04-03 16:33