Key Takeaways

• Franchise Connection: Orion Smith and Madison Lawlor share their deep-rooted connection to the Conjuring franchise.
• Character Depth: Their performances as young Ed and Lorraine Warren aim to deepen the portrayal of the iconic couple.
• Director Influence: Michael Chaves provides a supportive environment that encourages creative exploration.
• Future Prospects: Both actors express enthusiasm for potentially returning to the Conjuring universe in future projects.

ComingSoon Senior Editor Brandon Schreur spoke to Madison Lawlor and Orion Smith about the latest movie in the popular Conjuring franchise, The Conjuring: Last Rites, also known as The Conjuring 4. Lawlor and Smith discussed their relationship with the Conjuring franchise, how Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga helped guide their performances as young Ed and Lorraine Warren, and more.

“The Conjuring: Last Rites delivers another thrilling chapter of the iconic Conjuring cinematic universe, based on real events,” the synopsis for the movie reads. “Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson reunite for one last case as renowned, real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren in a powerful and spine-chilling addition to the global box office-breaking franchise.”

The Conjuring: Last Rites will be released in United States theaters on September 5, 2025, from Warner Bros. Pictures.

Brandon Schreur: I’d love to ask both of you how it was that you guys got involved with this project. What’s the history of what made the two of you want to be part of The Conjuring 4, or The Conjuring: Last Rites? What led you to get cast in these roles, and how did you guys meet for the first time?

Orion Smith: I’ve always been a fan of the franchise. Always been a fan of all the Conjuring movies. Going back to the very first one, seeing that, and seeing how it’s spun out to these different Annabelles and Nuns, all these different things, was so cool to see. I think I always had a little bit of a connection — I’ve always kind of looked like Patrick Wilson. I’ve always looked at his career and been like, ‘Oh, yeah, he’s done so many great things, and these movies specifically are so great.’

Getting connected to it was really just like — you know, you get the audition, and like two weeks later, we had our callback. That was the first time we met was at that callback.

Madison Lawlor: And the callback was incredible. We were the only people there. Michael, the director, was already in England. So we were in-person with casting, but doing a Zoom audition for Michael. We filmed it from all these different angles, and it was incredible. I think he was rooting for us. The callback was three hours long. It was super intensive, but also amazing. First time ever meeting Orion, and we just dove right in. And the rest is history.

I love it. That first Conjuring movie came out 12 years ago now in 2013. Which makes me feel old because I remember seeing it in theaters. But it’s been 12 years since this franchise has existed and has been part of pop culture. Were you guys fans of these movies, or do you remember seeing the first one back in 2013? Did you see it in theaters, and did you think there would ever be a day when you’re in a Conjuring movie when this was starting off?

Smith: You know, I don’t think I saw it in theaters. But I remember seeing it and being scared, first of all. Like right away. Being like, ‘Whoa, they touched on something here that hasn’t been touched on by a lot of different movies.’ So I think pretty much from the get-go, I was intrigued and I was a fan. And as they’ve come out through the years, I’ve definitely been keeping up and staying connected with the whole thing.

Lawlor: Yeah, I was always a fan as well, and I’m a scaredy-cat, so they definitely work on me. Having to dive in deeper, I’ve become even more of a fan. It’s been a really exciting thing to be a part of.

There’s been a bit released about what we can expect from The Conjuring 4. Obviously, we’ll find out even more when the movie hits theaters next month. What can you tell me about your roles as young Ed and Lorraine Warren in this movie? Is there anything you can tell me about what we can expect to see from you guys?

Smith: I don’t think there are any specifics we can really give you. But I think our involvement definitely deepens the relationship of the couple. I think that’s my main takeaway from it — being able to see this couple that we’ve fallen in love with over the years and getting a glimpse at a different time in their lives. It really deepened my appreciation for who they are and who they are to each other.

Touching on that, I think I speak for a lot of people when I say that we love the Conjuring movies because they’re scary; they terrify us. The Annabelle doll will always be an icon now. But another big appeal of these movies has always been Ed and Lorraine’s relationship. There’s all this evil demonic stuff going on, but at the heart of these movies, I’ve always seen it as being about how these two people really love each other. How important was it for the two of you to get that right, and what did the process of bringing that relationship to life look like for you?

Lawlor: Oh my gosh, I think it’s everything. Vera and Patrick have done such an amazing job at creating so much heart behind these horror films. There’s a big love story amid all this chaos. I think for us it was super important to capture their connection. They really just have each other’s backs in such a beautiful way, and they understand each other like nobody else can. I think that was integral in executing their story. For us in developing that relationship it was about developing that rapport. I felt so lucky to work with Orion; I felt so supported by him; it was easy to fall into. But I think that comfort was crucial for playing them.

Smith: I totally agree. Pretty much from the get-go in that callback we were both on the same page about the importance of not only the scenes but our relationship as Ed and Lorraine together and how integral that was to the entire movie.

Totally. Jumping off that too; Vera and Patrick have been playing these roles since that first movie in 2013. They’ve known how to be Ed and Lorraine for a long time now. How much of a guiding light were they as you approached this movie and came into the franchise? Were you often talking to them or watching them to make sure you got all their mannerisms right? Or was it more of a case where you wanted to be them but also wanted to have your own take on the characters so you had to have some distance there?

Smith: I think they were definitely a guiding light for me. Getting advice from Patrick about the role and just talking through even mannerisms, voice; who these characters are was immensely important for me. Watching all the movies again from the perspective of ‘How has he done this? How has he created this character?’ was so cool for me. Then of course researching them as real people is a whole other rabbit hole.

Lawlor: Yeah absolutely! There was a lot of studying their work; Vera speaks as Lorraine; her facial expressions; her mannerisms inform so much of who she is; I definitely studied those performances a lot. But also Vera was so awesome; she’s so cool; she was such an open book saying ‘If you have questions ask them.’ They were there for us; really empowering; super supportive of us taking ownership over that portion of the story too.

Sure! Now that you guys have come into this franchise and are caught up with everything do you have a favorite Conjuring movie in this whole universe? Or maybe one that’s underrated? I know everyone loves that first movie but I think the second one is really underrated; more people should talk about that one because it’s great! Do you guys have favorites like that?

Smith: I’m going to double up on yours! Especially being in England while filming; since that second one is set there felt almost nostalgic for me! I’d go to local pubs asking ‘Tell me all your ghost stories’! They’d tell me different stories; I’d be like ‘Wow this is so cool!’ To revisit that second Conjuring movie where it’s set there was really fun!

Lawlor: I agree with you! I’ve become a fan of all them for different reasons! That first one is classic — it’s perfect! They all have their own flavor; it’s cool because they’re exploring different hauntings; they’re in different environments! There’s something different to love about all! But yes; more people need to talk about that sleeper second one!

Totally! Love all them but especially love this new one directed by Michael Chaves who did third one along with some other stuff like The Nun 2! You’ve got James Wan producing co-creating story involved since beginning! What’s it like working with both James Michael now making fourth potentially final movie?

Lawlor: They’re amazing! Michael is knowledgeable intentional supportive director! Working with him felt free trying things; he has strong vision nurturing encouraging energy making movies infectious!

Smith: I totally agree! Michael’s love horror infectious making enjoyable experience! Meeting James Wan shaking hands Peter Safran felt surreal being around incredible minds creatives!

I’m sure! One last question for both of you — The Conjuring: The Last Rites is supposed last movie main franchise! There’s world spin-offs Annabelle Nun talk potential television show! Are open returning world Ed Lorraine if future stuff comes along?

Lawlor: I mean love world so much! It’s fun being part this project! Who knows future holds? Amazing loving living it!

Smith: I totally agree! Any connection franchise movies characters gift! Just having small fingerprint movie incredible!

Thanks to Madison Lawlor and Orion Smith for taking time discuss The Conjuring: Last Rites.