As a Conjuring fan, I’m shaken by the death teased in Last Rites — This could change everything about the true story

Almost ten years into its existence, the Conjuring series has been thrilling audiences and adapting the chilling and terrifying true stories of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren on the big screen.

Now that the last film of the franchise, The Conjuring: Last Rites, is set to be released in theatres on September 5, 2025, being a horror fan myself, I can’t stop thinking about how horrific this death might be — and how it could change the true story that happened.

The Teaser Trailer: A Dark Shift in the Story

One of the most recent trailer releases for The Conjuring: Last Rites makes it clear that this chapter is a dark one. The rough, atmospheric build of the trailer features short “reminiscences” of our most iconic monsters (Annabelle and the unnamed nun). With the tagline, “Get ready to discover why this case was their last,” it’s a major plot tease that could mean the end for either Ed or Lorraine Warren.

That last shot of Ed at a funeral, alongside progressively fraught visuals and dialogue, stands out. Meanwhile, the demonic voice of an as-yet-unseen entity greets Lorraine, saying it has “been waiting so patiently for you,” only increasing the feeling that this is going to be the most evil force the Warren family has encountered yet.

Is This the End of the Warrens’ Legacy?

Like many of the best iconic movie franchises that end in stomach-churning death, Last Rites may be leading up to an emotionally charged denouement for Ed and Lorraine Warren. Though the Conjuring world will continue with spin-offs like Annabelle and The Nun, an emotional end to the conduit anchors of Ed and Lorraine would provide a dramatic and fitting closure.

This is a standard Hollywood pattern — kill the heroes, like in the Marvel Cinematic Universe or the most recent James Bond film, to symbolize the conclusion of an era. Last Rites might be using the same formula to offer fans a bittersweet goodbye to the Warrens: one last gasp in their final case, delivering a powerful blow to both characters and audience.

Will The Conjuring Depart From the True Story?

The Conjuring films intriguingly combine fact and fiction — The real-life Ed and Lorraine Warren were paranormal investigators who spent decades investigating horrific cases, many of which are portrayed in the movies. But in the films, however, they are, as always, blown way out of how things occurred in real life.

In reality, Ed died in 2006 and Lorraine in 2019 — many years after the incidents shown on screen. This means the Last Rites death of one or both would be a major change. But the Conjuring series has never been shy about expanding the truth for the sake of exciting, spine-tingling horror.

It may be a thematic turn for the series that introduces a sudden and compelling dramatic death — a payoff in emotional stakes while still honoring the Warrens. The fact that the franchise is twisting their story to create horror might seem disrespectful. But horror films based on real-life events typically use artistic liberties to heighten emotion. Last Ritesmight do just that — making a death meaningful without dishonoring the real-life people.

A Fitting Closure or a Step Too Far?

So, will The Conjuring: Last Rites really kill off one of its sacrosanct protagonists? On one hand, this could be the best way to wrap up a great franchise that has kept its fans on the edge of their seats. Removing the Warrens from the story with a heavy thematic loss would not only hit the audience hard but also add weight to their arcs within the Conjuring universe.

However, it would also be a risky move, as it strays from the actual events of the real Ed and Lorraine Warren’s lives.

Last Rites faces a dilemma — it must tread carefully between the temptation of a tragic or triumphant ending, without disrespecting the real-life legacy of the Warrens. If they kill off one of the characters, it could set a precedent for blending fact and fiction in bolder ways. The Warrens’ estate and family are involved in the film, so that may influence whether or not such a decision is made.

Looking Ahead to September 2025

Either way, The Conjuring: Last Rites is a major moment for the franchise. Whether Ed or Lorraine dies or not, the stakes are high. If one of the main characters dies, it would add depth to the story and make their final case even more intense. As a fan, I’m on the edge of my seat, wondering if this will truly change the Conjuring universe — and be a good, powerful ending for the Warrens.