The eerie world of Ed and Lorraine Warren is set to make a spine-chilling return, as Warner Bros. and New Line have officially greenlit a prequel to ‘The Conjuring’ franchise following the massive global success of ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’.

The yet-untitled project will be helmed by rising filmmaker Rodrigue Huart, best known for his award-winning short film Transylvanie, which bagged a jury prize at SXSW 2024. The screenplay will once again be crafted by Richard Naing and Ian Goldberg, the writing duo behind The Nun II and Last Rites.

According to a Variety report, though ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ was promoted as the final chapter in the Warrens’ supernatural saga, its astounding box office performance — raking in $487 million globally — has reignited the franchise. It became the highest-grossing film in the series, reaffirming that fans are far from ready to say goodbye to the ghost-hunting couple.

The new film is expected to delve into the early years of Ed and Lorraine Warren, likely introducing new actors in place of Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, whose characters’ storyline concluded in Last Rites. The prequel aims to explore the origins of the paranormal investigators and the events that shaped their lifelong pursuit of the occult.

Meanwhile, the Conjuring universe is also expanding to the small screen. HBO is currently developing a television series that will continue the story from the feature films. Writer and producer Nancy Won has been tapped as the show’s executive producer and showrunner, though specific plot details remain tightly under wraps.

Across nine films, including spinoffs like Annabelle and The Nun, ‘The Conjuring’ universe has grown into the highest-grossing horror franchise in cinematic history, amassing a staggering $2.7 billion worldwide. The franchise’s success lies not only in its scares but also in its smart economics — most installments are made on modest budgets, ensuring hefty profits for Warner Bros. and New Line.

James Wan, who originally conceived the hauntingly popular universe, continues to serve as a guiding force behind the films, with Peter Safran producing every installment. With the prequel now in development, fans can expect another chapter of terrifying storytelling that delves deeper into the Warrens’ dark beginnings.