A Haunting Return for The Conjuring Franchise

This weekend, Warner Bros. is poised to reclaim dominance in the box office with the much-anticipated release of ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites.’ The film is projected to scare up more than $40 million domestically and exceed $80 million globally, signaling a thrilling return for the franchise.

From Weak Openings to Box Office Glory

The last installment, ‘The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It,’ suffered a lackluster opening of only $24.1 million due to its simultaneous release on HBO Max during the pandemic. However, this new chapter is set to reignite excitement, as it channels the franchise’s storied legacy of box office success.

August's Bustling Box Office

Following a strong summer that saw North American box office earnings hitting $3.67 billion, industry insiders are bracing for a shift this September. Last year, Warner Bros. released ‘Beetlejuice,’ marking a record start for the month with $111 million domestically, a feat that ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ seems ready to rival.

A Fearsome Lineup Awaits

‘Last Rites’ is set to dominate the early fall box office until the arrival of Disney’s ‘Tron: Ares’ on October 10, unless unexpected heavy hitters like ‘One Battle After Another’ and ‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey’ turn heads before then.

Wide Release and Anticipated Viewership

With plans to launch in 3,700 theaters across the U.S. and Canada, and an additional 15,500 screens in 66 territories including key markets in Asia and Europe, ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ is ready for a grand entrance. Fans can look forward to immersive experiences with Imax and Dolby formats, with previews starting as early as Thursday at 3 PM.

A Familiar Face Behind the Camera

Directed by the talented Michael Chaves—who previously helmed from ‘The Curse of La Llorona’ and ‘The Nun 2’—this installment follows paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, as they face their most personal case yet in the 1980s.

Strong Buzz Before Release

Early tracking shows ‘Last Rites’ with impressive awareness, outperforming similar films like ‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’ and ‘The Nun 2.’ With strong engagement among women under 25, anticipation is palpable for what may be the franchise's comeback.

A Historically Successful Franchise

The Conjuring Universe dominates the horror genre, reaping over $2.3 billion globally, making it the highest-grossing horror franchise of all time. New Line Cinema stands out with two billion-dollar franchises under their belt, showcasing the massive draw of both ‘The Conjuring’ and ‘IT.’

A Competitive Weekend Ahead

Competing for box office dollars this weekend is Disney with the theatrical release of ‘Hamilton,’ a former Disney+ hit. While expected to rake in around $7 million, it’s clear that all eyes will be on ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ to see if it can deliver on its high expectations.

Final Thoughts Before Release

As anticipation builds for ‘Last Rites,’ early reviews remain under wraps. It’s worth noting that the first two films in the series earned a rare A- rating from audiences, promising a thrilling cinematic experience that horror fans won't want to miss.