WEAPONS Eyes Third Consecutive Box Office Weekend Win

Warner Bros. is preparing to unleash a new wave of supernatural terror upon the box office this fall. According to the latest industry tracking from Boxoffice Pro published on August 15th, the highly anticipated finale, “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” is projected to conjure a domestic opening weekend in the range of $35 million to $45 million. This forecast positions the film as a potential powerhouse, aiming to dominate the post-Labor Day landscape and continue the franchise’s legendary run of commercial success.

How Does ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ Stack Up Against Previous Franchise Entries?

The projected opening for “Last Rites” places it firmly within the successful track record of the mainline “Conjuring” series, though it signals a potential softening compared to its most immediate predecessors. For context, 2021’s “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” opened to $24 million amid significant hybrid release strategies and pandemic-era restrictions. The film before that, 2016’s “The Conjuring 2,” debuted to a massive $40 million. The new film’s forecast suggests a strong core fanbase remains eager for the conclusion of Ed and Lorraine Warren’s story, potentially drawing audiences back to the original universe’s tone and stakes after various spin-offs.

Industry analysts note that the September 5th release date is a strategic choice. It arrives after the crowded summer blockbuster season, minimizing direct competition and allowing it to serve as a major event for horror fans craving a cinematic experience. The film’s performance will be a key test of the franchise’s enduring strength and its ability to launch a successful finale chapter, a narrative hook that marketing campaigns are sure to leverage heavily in the coming weeks.

A Crowded Frame of Competing Genres

“The Conjuring: Last Rites” will not have the marketplace entirely to itself. Its debut weekend is described by trackers as a “potpourri of genres,” creating a fascinating box office battle. It will face off against counter-programming options, appealing to different demographic segments. This includes the family-friendly appeal of Disney’s “Freakier Friday,” which itself is tracking for a strong opening in the $35M-$45M range the prior weekend, and the action-thriller “Weapons,” expected to hold over from its August release.

This diversity in offerings actually bodes well for the overall health of the theatrical market, demonstrating that there is audience appetite for various types of films beyond superhero tentpoles. However, it means “The Conjuring: Last Rites” must effectively capture its dedicated horror audience to meet its projections. The film’s success will hinge on positive word-of-mouth and its ability to deliver the chilling, faith-based scares that have become the series’ trademark.

The performance of “The Conjuring: Last Rites” will be a crucial bellwether for the horror genre and franchise filmmaking heading into the fall season. With a dedicated fanbase and a prime release date, all signs point to a hauntingly successful opening, proving that the appetite for a well-told supernatural story remains as strong as ever. Keep an eye on official tracking updates as the release date draws nearer.

Must Know

What is the projected opening weekend for The Conjuring: Last Rites?
According to Boxoffice Pro’s long-range forecast from August 15, 2025, “The Conjuring: Last Rites” is projected to open between $35 million and $45 million at the domestic box office during its first weekend.

When is The Conjuring: Last Rites released?
The film is currently scheduled for release by Warner Bros. on September 5, 2025, strategically placing it after the summer movie season.

How does this opening compare to other Conjuring movies?
The forecast suggests an opening similar to “The Conjuring 2” ($40.4M) and significantly higher than “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” ($24.1M), which was impacted by pandemic-era viewing habits.

Who is starring in The Conjuring: Last Rites?
While the official cast list is still being finalized, the film is expected to see the return of Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.

What other movies will it be competing against?
It will face genre competition from holdovers like the action-thriller “Weapons” and family-audience films like “Freakier Friday,” creating a diverse weekend at the movies.

Is this the last Conjuring movie?
As the title “Last Rites” implies, this film is being marketed as the final chapter in the main “Conjuring” saga centering on the Warrens, though the larger “Conjuring Universe” of spin-offs may continue.