It has been more than 12 years since James Wan’s The Conjuring hit theatres on July 19, 2013, launching one of the most successful horror franchises of all time. Looking back, Wan admits he never expected the journey to last this long. “The short answer is no—not to the extent of what it would eventually become,” he shared. Adding, “We knew that we had made a good movie that resonated with audiences, but for me to still be talking about it 12 years later? I definitely did not think that was a possibility.”

Wan credits the origins of the universe to an early collaboration with producer Peter Safran and the support of New Line executives Richard Brener, Walter Hamada, and Dave Neustadter. “I said, ‘I am a big fan of the Warrens, and I think I can make a great horror movie based on these two real-life characters,’” Wan recalled. Having recently directed Insidious, he was eager to blend scares with family dynamics. “It was a very easy movie to make… there’s just this great energy with the Conjuring films.”

Casting was another key decision. Wan reunited with Patrick Wilson after Insidious and paired him with Vera Farmiga to portray Ed and Lorraine Warren. “I love the guy, he’s such a great actor and he really gives it all,” Wan said of Wilson. Adding, “At the same time, I was already a huge fan of Vera Farmiga… they were really excited when they found out they would be playing opposite each other.”

The upcoming film, The Conjuring: Last Rites, returns to the infamous Smurl case, the very story that first introduced Wan to the Warrens through a 1990s TV movie. “For me it is very personal… there is a beautiful full circle element to it,” he said. The film also expands Judy Warren’s role, now grown into a young woman. “We just felt like a movie about the family dynamic would have to bring Judy in more,” Wan explained.

As he prepares to close the chapter, Wan is candid about his emotions. “I’m feeling very wistful, very melancholic, bittersweet, but also I feel good as well that we’re going out on a high,” he said. More than the scares, Wan hopes audiences leave with an emotional connection: “The thing that I’m most proud of with the Conjuring films is… you don’t walk out feeling wistful or sad because you love this world so much. That’s one of the biggest things I take away.”

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