After directing the first two Conjuring films and kicking off a whole cinematic universe, director James Wan has announced through The Hollywood Reporter that he will not direct The Conjuring 3, the third film in the horror franchise starring Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga from New Line. Instead, Wan has opted to let someone new and fresh take the reins as The Curse of La Llorona’s Michael Chaves will direct the next film in the main franchise.
Wan will remain involved in The Conjuring 3 as a producer through his Atomic Monster banner and act as the film’s godfather. He selected Chaves to take over after working with him on his directorial feature The Curse of La Llorona, which is set for release by New Line on April 19, 2019. Chavez’s work on that film was enough for Wan and New Line executives to be confident in his ability to take over the next chapter in The Conjuring franchise.
“While working closely with Chaves on The Curse of La Llorona, I got to know him as a filmmaker,” said Wan. “Chaves’ ability to bring emotion to a story, and his understanding of mood and scares make him a perfect fit to direct the next Conjuring film. I’m excited to be back as producer and continue with Vera and Patrick on the next supernatural adventure of the Warrens.”
“I am a huge fan of the Conjuring films,” Chaves added. “The movies are the rare combination that deliver both tremendous heart and awesome scares. It is both a total thrill and absolute honor to be working with James and the gang at New Line again.”
The Conjuring 3 is currently being written by David Leslie Johnson, the writer for The Conjuring 2 and Wan’s upcoming DC superhero film Aquaman with Jason Momoa, Amber Heard and Patrick Wilson. Wilson and Farmiga will reprise their roles from the previous Conjuring films as supernatural investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.
SEE ALSO: Updates on The Conjuring 3, Annabelle 3 and The Crooked Man
Since its release, The Conjuring has spawned a connected universe of its own with two Annabelle films and a third in development. The latest addition to the franchise is The Nun, which has become the highest-grossing film of the franchise so far. While there is no set release date for The Conjuring 3, production is expected get underway after Annabelle 3.
