Say goodbye to one of horror’s most beloved couples—Ed and Lorraine Warren. The Conjuring franchise is officially closing its chapter, and it’s leaving fans with a definitive ending that’s as bittersweet as it is satisfying. But here’s where it gets intriguing: the final installment, The Conjuring: Last Rites, drew inspiration from an unlikely source—one of Marvel’s most critically acclaimed films, Logan. Yes, you read that right. A superhero movie influenced the conclusion of a horror saga, and this is the part most people miss: how these two seemingly unrelated genres intersected to create a memorable farewell.
After 12 years and nine films, the Conjuring series has become a cornerstone of modern horror, thanks in large part to the undeniable chemistry between Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. Their portrayal of the Warrens has been the franchise’s secret sauce, blending heartwarming romance with spine-chilling terror. But all great stories must end, and Last Rites delivers a rare gift for horror fans—a conclusive ending that ties up loose ends while leaving room for reflection. The film centers on the Smurl haunting case, where Ed and Lorraine face a demon threatening both a Pennsylvania family and their own. It’s a chaotic, terrifying, yet surprisingly tender conclusion that feels both earned and poignant.
Given the franchise’s massive success, ending it now might seem surprising. But here’s the controversial take: Director Michael Chaves and the team at New Line Cinema chose to end it while they were still on top, a bold move in an industry that often milks franchises dry. As Chaves explained in an exclusive interview with /Film’s Jacob Hall, the decision to wrap up the Warrens’ story was made early in development. Inspired by franchises like A Nightmare on Elm Street, which never received a proper conclusion, Chaves and producer Dave Neustadter wanted to avoid the trap of letting the series fade into obscurity.
Logan played a pivotal role in shaping Last Rites’ ending. Just as Logan gave Wolverine a definitive, emotional send-off, Last Rites does the same for the Warrens. Chaves admired how Logan closed a long-running character arc while hinting at a legacy that lives on—in this case, through the Warrens’ daughter. It’s a clever nod to one of Marvel’s best films, and it’s not the first time Logan has influenced blockbusters; even Avengers: Endgame drew inspiration from its approach to finales.
But let’s address the elephant in the room: Is Last Rites truly the end? Chaves leaves the door slightly ajar, suggesting that if the audience demands more, the franchise could return. Yet, everyone involved treated this film as the final chapter, which heightened its emotional impact. “We are telling the last chapter,” Chaves emphasized, “and that mindset elevated every aspect of the production.”
So, is this the perfect way to say goodbye to the Warrens, or does the possibility of future films undermine the finality of Last Rites? What do you think? Does a franchise deserve a definitive ending, or should the door always remain open for more stories? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
The Conjuring: Last Rites is now available on digital platforms, with 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD releases set for November 25, 2025. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer, this finale is a must-watch—a fitting tribute to horror’s greatest couple.
