Acclaimed filmmaker Michael Chaves, recognized for his directorial role in the 2021 supernatural horror film ‘The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It,’ is reportedly in discussions to helm the fourth and final installment of The Conjuring series, as per The Hollywood Reporter. Chaves, who previously directed the spinoff ‘The Nun II’ in the past year, has become synonymous with the successful Conjuring universe.
The screenplay for the upcoming installment, known as ‘The Conjuring 4,’ is penned by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, who co-wrote the third chapter alongside franchise creator James Wan. Wan, renowned in the horror genre, is on board as a producer along with Peter Safran.
While plot details are shrouded in secrecy, fans can anticipate the return of supernatural investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, respectively. The duo is expected to face eerie encounters, including creaky doors, shadows in the windows, inverted crosses, and demonic possessions. The film is slated to commence shooting in Atlanta during the upcoming summer season.
‘The Conjuring’ franchise, initially produced on a modest budget of $20 million, gained immense popularity upon its 2013 release, grossing nearly $320 million worldwide. Since then, New Line Cinema has strategically expanded the Conjuring universe, encompassing sequels, prequels, and spinoffs. The cumulative box office earnings of the franchise, with its low-budget approach, have exceeded a staggering $2.1 billion.
Chaves, initially recognized for his award-winning horror short film ‘The Maiden,’ caught the attention of James Wan and Atomic Monster executives. This led to his feature directorial debut with ‘The Curse of La Llorona’ in 2019, paving the way for his involvement in ‘The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It’ and subsequently ‘The Nun II.’
In a parallel development, it has been reported that director Dan Trachtenberg is in negotiations to lead the upcoming ‘Predator’ film, adding further excitement to the realm of horror and suspense in the film industry.
