What's Happening?
New Line's 'The Conjuring: Last Rites' has achieved a franchise-best $8.5 million in Thursday previews, marking a significant success for Warner Bros. The film, starring Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, is the ninth and final title in Phase One of The Conjuring Universe, which has grossed over $2.3 billion globally. Directed by Michael Chaves, the movie is based on the Warrens' investigation of the Smurl haunting in Pennsylvania. Despite mixed reviews from critics, early audience reactions are promising, and the film is expected to have a domestic debut approaching $50 million.
Why It's Important?
The success of 'The Conjuring: Last Rites' highlights the enduring popularity of horror franchises and their ability to draw audiences to theaters. This achievement is particularly significant as it comes at a time when the box office is recovering from a period of sluggish performance. The film's strong preview earnings suggest a robust opening weekend, which could set a new record for the franchise. This success also underscores Warner Bros.'s strategic positioning in the horror genre, potentially influencing future investments and productions in similar franchises.
What's Next?
Following the release of 'The Conjuring: Last Rites', the franchise is set to enter Phase Two, although specific details about upcoming projects have not been disclosed. The film's performance will likely influence Warner Bros.'s approach to future horror productions and may lead to increased investment in similar projects. Additionally, the film's reception by audiences and critics will be closely monitored to gauge its impact on the franchise's direction.
