After nearly three years of waiting, The Conjuring 4 has finally found its director and confirmed itself to be the last mainline movie in the franchise. Created by James Wan, the hit horror franchise has largely revolved around the various cases of Ed and Lorraine Warren, real-life married paranormal investigators played by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson in the mainline movies and spinoffs. It was confirmed in late 2022 that a fourth Conjuring movie was in development with original screenwriter David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick returning, though no director had been set.

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.