What started with The Conjuring in 2013 has grown organically into a connected universe with spinoffs of the mainline films that are now spawning sequels of their own. While we'll probably have to wait until 2020 for The Conjuring 3, the next sequel in The Conjuring universe arrives this year in the form of Annabelle 3. Unlike the other spinoffs to date in this universe, Annabelle 3 will actually feel like a new Conjuring film according to producer James Wan, who said:
I think by the very nature of Patrick and Vera being in it, I would say somewhat, yes, because in Annabelle 3 the doll comes back to the Warren's home. It finally comes to the Warren's home so by the very nature of it actually being in the home and the story takes place in the Warren's home, it feels more like a Conjuring film in that respect.
It sounds like the very nature of the story in Annabelle 3 will make it feel like a new Conjuring film. Prior to Annabelle 3, Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga's Ed and Lorraine Warren didn't factor in to the Conjuring spinoff films. But as James Wan told Bloody Disgusting, Annabelle 3 will not only feature the two actors at the heart of this franchise, it will be set in the home of the Warrens.
The setting of the Warren home and the presence of Ed and Lorraine should make Annabelle 3 feel more like a new Conjuring film than any of the previous spinoffs. It also sounds like it will be a neat hybrid of a Conjuring film while also working as a spinoff in the franchise that continues the story of Annabelle and Annabelle: Creation.
Annabelle 3 is set before The Conjuring 2 and after the beginning of The Conjuring, once Ed and Lorraine have brought the Annabelle doll back to their home and put it in the Artifacts Room. Unfortunately for them, it turns out that putting a bunch of evil objects all in one place is not the best idea.
Annabelle awakens the other cursed objects in the Artifact Room in a horrific Night at the Museum scenario, and they target the Warren's 10-year-old daughter Judy, played by McKenna Grace.
When the plot for Annabelle 3 was first announced, it seemed obvious that Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga's characters would have to be in it, but now that we know they will appear, and with James Wan's statements here, it makes this spinoff the most exciting one yet. Seeing the Warren's once again dealing with the paranormal should definitely make this feel, at least to a degree like a Conjuring film; The Conjuring 2.5 perhaps, or 1.5 given its place in the timeline.
As for the next proper Conjuring film, The Conjuring 3 is scheduled to shoot this year under the direction of Michael Chaves, director of the upcoming The Curse of La Llorona, who will take over for James Wan. Aquaman and The Conjuring 2 screenwriter David Leslie Johnson is returning to work on the script.
Annabelle 3 is directed by Gary Dauberman and opens on July 3. For all of the biggest movies you can look forward to in the new year, check out our 2019 release schedule.
