The Conjuring 4: Last Rites – What We Know So Far

The upcoming film The Conjuring 4, officially titled The Conjuring: Last Rites, has generated considerable excitement and speculation among fans of the horror franchise. Slated for a theatrical release on September 5, 2025, this installment marks a pivotal moment as it will be the final chapter in the main Conjuring series, which originated with the 2013 hit The Conjuring. For fans, this is a bittersweet farewell to cherished characters portrayed by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson.

The Conjuring films have illuminated the real-life paranormal investigations conducted by Ed (played by Wilson) and Lorraine Warren (played by Farmiga). While many horror enthusiasts are aware of the Warrens’ contributions, they may not know that the infamous Amityville Horror is rooted in their 1970s work. Regardless of differing opinions on the truth of their claims, the couple’s legacy has undeniably shaped the horror genre for decades. With The Conjuring 4, director Michael Chaves will bring yet another Warren case to the screen, though details of their next haunting are still under wraps. Below, we explore several potential cases that could form the backbone of this final installment.

1. The Snedeker House (1986)

Highlighted in the Warrens’ 1993 book, In a Dark Place: The Story of a True Haunting, the Snedeker House haunting unfolded in 1986 when the family sought refuge in a former funeral home due to their son’s medical needs nearby. As they settled in, the basement—hidden from view during the tour—revealed old embalming tools that marked the beginning of a chilling ordeal.

Paranormal occurrences plagued the family, with escalating focus on their son, Philip, whose behavior dramatically shifted from kind to aggressive. The Warrens, along with a priest, intervened two years after the incidents began, culminating in an exorcism. Though the Snedekers had already left their home, this case is quintessentially aligned with typical Conjuring narratives. The Conjuring 4 could take this opportunity to weave in supernatural elements and horror tropes, even if some liberties with the facts are taken.

2. The Smurl Family (1974-1987)

Based in Pittston, Pennsylvania, the Smurl family’s experiences began in 1974 when they reported unusual disturbances, from strange sounds to foul odors, culminating in alarming incidents including their dog being hurled across the room. In response to escalating fear, the Smurls contacted the Warrens, who identified multiple entities in the house, among them a malicious spirit.

The Warrens administered multiple exorcisms, but the alleged demonic force did not relent until the family finally moved in 1987. Their story offers a unique narrative where three “benevolent”spirits are manipulated by a nefarious entity, providing compelling material that could be revisited in The Conjuring 4. Involving deeper themes of good versus evil could resonate well with audiences familiar with the franchise.

3. The Southend Werewolf (1989)

A standout among Ed and Lorraine Warren’s cases, the Southend Werewolf narrative revolves around Bill Ramsey, an Englishman whose life took a strange turn when he began to exhibit wolf-like behaviors, including growling and fierce attacks. Over several decades, Ramsey believed he was possessed by the spirit of a werewolf, prompting significant confrontations with the authorities and hospital staff.

After the Warrens learned about Ramsey’s haunting, they invited him to Connecticut in 1989, where they conducted an exorcism that dramatically transformed his appearance during the event. The Conjuring 4 could leverage this eerie case to introduce new folklore within the established cinematic universe, potentially enriching the narrative with elements of mythological horror.

4. Union Cemetery (1990)

The case of Union Cemetery is chronicled in the Warrens’ 1992 book, Graveyard: True Hauntings from an Old New England Cemetery. Located in Connecticut, this site is infamous for reports of “The White Lady,”a spectral figure said to appear under specific conditions at the graveyard. Lorraine once deemed it one of the most haunted locations in the region, claiming to have seen mysterious glowing eyes during their investigation.

While it may not be the most dramatic case in terms of horror elements, wrapping up the Conjuring series with a tale of melancholy may provide an unexpected twist. Perhaps the couple could encounter a non-malevolent spirit, allowing them to gain a sense of closure from their many harrowing experiences throughout the series.

As fans anticipate the release of The Conjuring: Last Rites, speculation around which case the film will explore keeps conversations alive in the horror community. The Warrens’ unique blend of tragic and thrilling encounters provides ample material for a compelling narrative. With the franchise concluding, it remains to be seen which direction the filmmakers will take and how they will encapsulate the legacy of Ed and Lorraine Warren.

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