The Conjuring 4 has finally found a director and is officially the final mainstay in the franchise, after nearly three years of anticipation. The popular horror franchise, which was founded by James Wan, has mostly focused on the cases of Ed and Lorraine Warren, two married paranormal investigators who were portrayed in mainline and spinoff films by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, respectively. Although a director had not yet been chosen, it was announced in late 2022 that a fourth Conjuring film was in development, with original screenwriter David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick returning.

The Hollywood Reporter has brought word that The Conjuring 4 has officially signed on Michael Chaves to direct the upcoming horror sequel. In addition to his signing, sources have confirmed that the movie, no longer subtitled Last Rites, will be the final mainline installment in New Line’s The Conjuring Universe, something that original director/producer James Wan has been hinting at throughout its development. A filming start window is slated for late 2024.