When The Conjuring first released on July 19, 2013, few could have predicted that it would spark one of the most enduring horror franchises in modern cinema. At the heart of its success has been Patrick Wilson, who has lived with the role of Ed Warren for more than a decade. Sitting down to reflect on the journey ahead of the final instalment, The Conjuring: Last Rites, Wilson admits the scale of what followed still surprises him.
“James [Wan] and I knew that if we got the first one right, we'd at least be back for a second one,” Wilson recalls. “But four? With Annabelles and Nuns spinning off, and a whole Conjuring Universe? I did not see that.”
The key, Wilson believes, lies in the series’ unusual structure. “Usually horror films either follow a victim or a killer. Here, we followed a family. That gave us triumphs, tragedies, and a new case every time. It was innovative, and in James’ hands, it became a producer’s dream.”
That approach allowed the Conjuring Universe to expand while keeping Ed and Lorraine Warren at its emotional core. Wilson says their relatability grounded the supernatural chaos around them. “Audiences didn’t just come back for the scares—they came back to see Ed and Lorraine. They came back for the family.”
Twelve years later, Wilson acknowledges how deeply Ed has become part of his identity. “My Ed Warren is me. I don’t look at him as the real Ed, but I can’t separate myself from him either. When people see me with sideburns, they know I’m about to shoot a Conjuring movie. That’s how ingrained it is.”
As the franchise prepares for its final chapter, Wilson calls the experience “a blessing.” He reflects with gratitude not only on the global success but also on the long-standing collaboration with Vera Farmiga and James Wan. “This franchise gave me relationships, memories, and a character who’ll always stay with me. That’s rare.”
As Wilson looks back, the numbers speak as loudly as the scares. Since 2013, the Conjuring Universe has grossed more than $2.1 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing horror franchise in history. For comparison, it has outpaced The Exorcist series and even eclipsed A Nightmare on Elm Street and Halloween in terms of lifetime box office.
In India too, the films have developed a loyal fan base, with each new installment opening strongly across metros. With Last Rites, Wilson knows the franchise is bowing out at the peak of its legacy. “We’ve had an incredible run,” he says. “To know audiences kept showing up for over a decade—that’s the real blessing.”
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