A new teaser image for upcoming Conjuring spinoff The Nun serves as a reminder of the terrifying demonic entity known as Valak. Valak was of course introduced in 2016 sequel The Conjuring 2, as a demon terrorizing Elaine Warren (Vera Farmiga) - a devout Catholic - with horrific visions of her husband Ed's (Patrick Wilson) impending violent death. In that film, it was implied that Valak was an ancient being that had simply chosen the guise of a monstrous nun to taunt Lorraine, but the existence of this spinoff clearly confirms that Valak has employed that form in the past.

Of course, Valak appearing as The Nun is once again appropriate to the circumstances, as this time the demon menaces a monastery in Romania. In such a secluded, religious setting, it makes perfect sense for Valak to have used what would seem to be its preferred disguise when interacting with fragile humans. The Nun is set in 1952, decades before Valak encountered the Warrens. The events of the film were hinted at via several quick references in last year's Annabelle: Creation, further tying together the various entries in The Conjuring universe.

Included below is a new teaser image from The Nun, first revealed by EW. Naturally, the image features Valak in all his/her glory, ready to scare the hell out of anyone unfortunate enough to become a target of the demonic force. Valak's gender - assuming a non-human monster would even have a gender identity - is a bit unclear, hence the use of "his/her" and "its" above. While generally referred to in ancient occult lore using male pronouns, The Nun form is clearly designed to appear female, and is played by actress Bonnie Aarons. Demons, they're confusing.

Whatever you refer to Valak by, it's clearly not someone to be messed with. The figure above would surely compel anyone who laid eyes on it to run screaming from the room, even if they didn't know what they were seeing was a demon. When something looks like that, it's better to escape first, then ask questions later. Of course, characters in horror films are rarely that smart, because if they were, lots of the best horror films wouldn't exist. In Valak's case though, running probably wouldn't thwart one's demise for long.

The people on Valak's hit list this time out include a seasoned nun, a catholic priest with a dark past, and a young novitiate (basically a nun in training), who are dispatched by The Vatican to investigate a nun's mysterious suicide at the aforementioned Romanian monastery. In a fun bit of casting, the novitiate is being played by Taissa Farmiga (American Horror Story), sister of Vera. Playing the priest is Demián Bichir (Alien: Covenant), and playing the veteran nun is Charlotte Hope (Game of Thrones). One assumes Annabelle: Creation's Sister Charlotte (Stephanie Sigman) might also make an appearance, considering her ties to the story.

Next: The Nun Writer Explains How It’s Different To Other Conjuring Films

Source: EW

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