The Conjuring Universe continues its reign of terror! The Conjuring: Last Rites, the (supposedly) final chapter focusing on Ed and Lorraine Warren, has shattered box office expectations, proving that horror is alive and well. Warner Bros. is celebrating a massive win with this latest installment.
A Box Office Monster
The Conjuring: Last Rites didn't just open; it *dominated*. The film raked in a stunning $83 million domestically in its opening weekend and a whopping $194 million globally, exceeding initial projections. This makes it the biggest global horror opening *ever*, surpassing the previous record holder, 2017's It, which earned $190 million. Talk about a terrifyingly good performance!
This success also marks a significant milestone for Warner Bros., securing their seventh consecutive release to open above $40 million. This achievement ties Disney's previous record from 2017-2018. The Conjuring Universe, started by James Wan in 2013, has amassed over $2.3 billion worldwide, making it one of the most lucrative horror franchises in history.
The True Stories Behind the Scares
What makes the Conjuring films so compelling is their basis (however loosely) in the real-life cases of Ed and Lorraine Warren, famed demonologists. The Warrens investigated countless alleged hauntings, possessions, and paranormal phenomena, documenting their experiences and collecting artifacts, including the infamous Annabelle doll. Their Occult Museum in Connecticut, now under new ownership, houses these unsettling objects and continues to fascinate the public.
The Perron Family and More
The Conjuring (2013) was inspired by the Perron family's experiences with paranormal activity in their Rhode Island farmhouse. Each film in the franchise draws inspiration from a different Warren case, blending real-life accounts with Hollywood embellishments to create terrifying cinematic experiences.
- The Conjuring (2013): The Perron Family
- Annabelle (2014): Based on the story of the Annabelle doll.
- More stories (details omitted for brevity)
While the Ed and Lorraine-focused films have seemingly concluded with The Conjuring: Last Rites, the Conjuring Universe continues to expand with spin-offs and sequels. The legacy of the Warrens and their terrifying tales lives on, captivating audiences and keeping them on the edge of their seats.