Every classic horror fan has seen a movie from The Conjuring franchise at one point or another - whether it’s Annabelle (2014), The Nun (2018) or the OG, The Conjuring (2013).
As the highest-grossing horror franchise in history - raking in more than $2 billion at the worldwide box office - horror fans are highly anticipating The Nun II, the second installation of the movie series set to arrive in cinemas September 8.
To an unfamiliar audience, The Nun II is a horror film about a demon nun, when the reality is the story goes much deeper. This tale is the latest instalment of a story that dates back to 1952. But do you know the real story behind the horrifying Conjuring universe?
Let’s delve deeper into the story and timeline that Michael Chaves (“The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It”) has directed - from a screenplay by Ian Goldberg and Richard Niang (“Eli”, “The Autopsy of Jane Doe”) and Akela Cooper (“M3GAN”, “Malignant”), based on characters created by James Wan and Gary Dauberman - creating the latest instalment of The Nun II.
The Nun (2018) brought in $366 million at the box office alone due to its chilling scenes and the way it details the story of the greatest evil in the conjuring universe. Jam-packed with jumpscares and eerie backdrops that keep you feeling on edge, combined with the unmistakably horrifying face of Valak the possessed nun, it’s a film that haunts its viewers for a lifetime.
The settings for the franchise span over 40 years, all the way from the 50s to the 80s, and relay some of the disturbing real case files that were actually experienced by the ghost-hunting couple, Ed and Lorriane Warren, throughout their career.
Despite not being the first film released, chronologically, the story of the Conjuring universe begins with The Nun (2018), and details a young nun in a Romanian abbey who takes her own life after being troubled by visions of Valak. A priest and a novitiate risk their lives, their souls and their faith to confront the demonic entity.
Set in 1955 just three years later, we meet Annabelle in prequel film Annabelle: Creation when dollmaker Samuel Mullins and his wife open up their home to six orphans and their caregiver, Sister Charlotte. The Mullins warn the children not to venture into the room of their deceased daughter, but curiosity gets the better of them and an unexpected evil is unearthed.
The original Annabelle, set 12 years later, sees a young doctor gift his pregnant wife the doll and, shortly after, the couple start to experience terrible things.
The film that kickstarted the franchise, The Conjuring, then appears in the timeline - introducing Ed and Lorraine Warren, who assist a family that is experiencing violent paranormal attacks.
Annabelle Comes Home follows the aftermath of the Warrens coming into possession of Annabelle. The Warrens hire a babysitter to take care of their daughter, Judy. However, Annabelle and a number of other spirits break out of the ‘Artefact Room’ whilst the Warrens are away and cause carnage.
The Conjuring 2 loops back to The Nun. This film follows Peggy Hodgson and her family, who began to experience otherworldly events after her daughter Janet gets involved with an ouija board.
Two years ago in 2021, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It was released. This film documents a chilling story that shocked Ed and Lorraine more than anything else they’d ever experienced. Based on the true stories of a murderer who claimed he was possessed back in 1981, this terrifying film plays into the terrible acts that happened for the ultimate fear factor.
That whistle-stop tour of the Conjuring universe brings us up to now, eagerly anticipating the chilling arrival of The Nun II. Set in 1950s France, a priest is murdered and an evil entity is spreading. Sister Irene once again comes face-to-face with Valak, the demon nun who has returned for another attempt at taking her soul.
“I never expected the Conjuring, sort of, ‘universe’ would go on to be as big as it has become.” James Wan told Warner Bros. UK Horror in a documentary detailing the franchise journey.
The Nun II will be possessing cinemas near you on September 8 - watch the official trailer. Catch up on the previous films in the franchise now.
Featured Image Credit: Warner Bros.Topics: TV and Film