Jame Wan will be back to direct the final chapter in The Conjuring trilogy, if the series' stars have any say in the matter. While there was never really a question that The Conjuring would get another proper sequel centered on husband and wife paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, that didn't stop fans from being quite happy when Warner Bros. officially greenlit The Conjuring 3 yesterday. After all, both prior Conjuring films were critical and commercial hits, earning enormous profits at the box office, and being cited by many as the best horror films of their respective release years.
That said, with the announcement of The Conjuring 3 came a news bit that gave many instant pause: Conjuring 1 and 2 helmer James Wan is unlikely to return to the director's chair this time out. That development isn't entirely surprising in some ways, as Wan has seen his career blow up recently, leading to directing more mainstream blockbuster fare like Furious 7 and the upcoming DCEU film Aquaman. Still, the idea that Wan might not come back - outside of continuing to be a producer on the franchise - disappointed many Conjuring diehards.
Today brings an interesting addendum to that news, with Bloody Digusting reporting that while Wan is still at this juncture unlikely to direct Conjuring 3, series stars Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga would very much prefer that he do so. The door reportedly remains open for Wan to change his mind, but it appears that his Aquaman commitments might make it impossible to also direct Conjuring 3, even if Wan would like to.
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It's especially understandable why Wilson would rather that Wan returns as director for Conjuring 3, as in many ways, Wilson has almost become Wan's cinematic muse. Wilson has now worked with Wan on four occasions, more than the actor has worked with any other filmmaker. In addition to playing Ed Warren in the Conjuring movies, Wilson also led the cast of Insidious and Insidious: Chapter 2, and is also signed on to play Ocean Master in Aquaman. At this point, the two have likely established quite the close rapport on set.
On the other hand, despite the reported preference of Wilson and Farmiga that Wan direct Conjuring 3, there are no indications at present that either actor is prepared to walk should a new director be named. Even if they were, with Wan still on-board as producer, one imagines he will have a big say in his potential replacement, and would likely be able to assure his stars that they're in good hands as they head into another case of demonic chaos.
NEXT: 15 Things You Didn't Know About The Conjuring
Source: Bloody Disgusting
