The Nun 2 has unexpectedly secured the opportunity to revitalize The Conjuring Universe and should now look to Malignant for the blueprint to success. Following the reveal of Michael Chavez as The Nun 2's director (via Bloody Disgusting), speculation has already begun as to what this spin-off of The Conjuring will bring to the table. With Akela Cooper, one of the minds behind Malignant, also already attached to write the screenplay, The Nun 2 looks set to avoid The Nun's mistakes before it even enters production.

The Nun joined The Conjuring Universe in 2018 and attempted to peek behind the veil of one of the franchise's most captivating monsters, but, unfortunately, it failed to commit to a consistent tone. Its eerie supernatural beats were often jarringly interrupted by jump scares and laughable creatures. Despite The Nun's financial success in The Conjuring Universe, the film was an immense critical failure. Contrarily, 2021's Malignant was a great success. Instead of dancing around its outrageous themes, Malignant dived in headfirst with a fast-paced plot, exaggerated gore effects, and a twist for the ages. Surprisingly, Malignant shared production companies with The Nun and was directed by James Wan himself, who famously began The Conjuring franchise in 2013. Malignant will now have even more in common with The Nun 2, as Akela Cooper's resume will soon list screenwriting credits for both films.

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As a result, The Nun 2 could defy its predecessor's reputation and bring a spark back to The Conjuring Universe if it follows the bold approach to storytelling demonstrated by Malignant. Malignant was unapologetically a horror film as it seamlessly weaved together elements of supernatural possession and white-knuckle detective thrillers - with Dario Argento's influence on Malignant clear from start to finish. Furthermore, Malignant used its plot and characters to intelligently navigate the aforementioned sub-genres - which is a level of nuance The Nun 2 must aspire to in order to shed the bad reputation of its predecessor.

The Nun Conjuring Valak

James Wan's renewed partnership with Akela Cooper represents a second chance for The Nun. There were flittering moments of greatness in the 2018 horror film; most of them were undercut by so many cheap jump scares that each moment's tension was subsequently reduced. In this way, if The Nun could have committed to its pacing without second-guessing its scares, The Nun could have been the strongest follow-up to The Conjuring. Instead, it is only another reminder that The Conjuring's focus on spin-offs is problematic.

Yet with Bonnie Aarons set to return as the titular Nun and Taissa Farmiga confessing her willingness to resume her role as Sister Irene (via The Hollywood Reporter), The Nun 2 will certainly maintain a trend of iconic casting for the franchise that started with The Conjuring. Aarons and Farmiga squeezed every drop of value from The Nun's dry script, and if their characters are given the same investment that Gabriel and Madison received in Malignant, the continued battle between Sister Irene and the demonic Nun could prove unforgettable.

Ultimately The Nun will be remembered for the missteps it took atop the solid groundwork of The Conjuring. Yet that same foundation also means The Conjuring Universe is still ripe with potential, and if The Nun 2 can recapture the magic of Malignant with creators Akela Cooper and James Wan at the helm, the franchise will return to the pinnacle it reached in 2013.

Next: Every Upcoming & Rumored Conjuring Movie (What's Next For The Conjurverse?)