One of The Conjuring’s most infamous characters is making waves.
And surprisingly it has nothing to do with the film franchise’s conclusion, The Conjuring: Last Rites. Just weeks before Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga’s final outing as legendary psychic researchers Ed Warren and Lorraine Warren, paranormal investigator Dan Rivera died suddenly while overseeing a cross-country tour featuring the late couple’s allegedly haunted doll Annabelle.
However, Wilson isn’t reading too much into the rumblings Annabelle was involved in Rivera’s death in late July.
“I think anytime something happens in real life—I never sensationalize it. There’s a lot of unexplained things,” he exclusively told E! News’ Francesca Amiker.“Anytime you’re dealing with real people, real families, real friends—that’s much bigger than any of this other stuff.”
Indeed, Wilson and his longtime costar are more than a little familiar with the ominous Raggedy Ann doll as the Warrens’ investigation into Annabelle is what kickstarted The Conjuring franchise back in 2013—and later earned the doll her own spinoff.
Rivera, 54, too had links to the Warrens as he was a member of the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), an organization founded by the couple in 1952 (Ed died in 2006, followed by Lorraine’s 2019 passing).
And NESPR’s haunted adventures are encapsulated in The Conjuring films. In fact, the swan song Last Rites is based on the Warren’s experience with the Smurl family, who claimed they were taunted—and even assaulted—by supernatural forces inside their Pennsylvania home throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s.
The infamous paranormal case neatly captures what’s made The Conjuring universe a hit with horror fans, providing a fitting big-screen sendoff for the Warrens, even if, as Farmiga put it, there was nothing “nostalgic, poignant, ooey gooey” about her and Wilson’s final moments together on set.
“There was no big, grand farewell between him and me. It was pretty unceremonious,” The Departed actress revealed, citing their exhaustion toward the end of filming and Wilson getting wrapped on the set before Farmiga. “We [looked] like zombies. We kind of just blinked at each other and he left.”
The Conjuring: Last Rites releases into theaters on Sept. 5. For more new movies releasing this fall, keep reading…
Twinless – September 5, 2025
Dylan O’Brien and writer/director James Sweeney star in this black comedy about two young men who meet in a twin support group and form an unlikely friendship.
Where to Watch: In theaters
The Conjuring: Last Rites – September 5, 2025
The ninth (!) entry in the Conjuring cinematic universe sees Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson reunite for one last time as renowned, real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale – September 12, 2025
This third and final film will wrap up the period drama franchise, with Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Michelle Dockery and more, all set to return.
Where to watch: In theaters
The Long Walk – September 12, 2025
Based on the novel by Stephen King, The Long Walk follows the contestants of a grueling walking contest set in a dystopian reality where the U.S. is ruled by a totalitarian regime.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Him – September 19, 2025
Producer Jordan Peele delivers this sports horror about a rising star football player (Tyriq Withers) who is invited to train at the isolated compound of a dynasty team’s aging quarterback (Marlon Wayans).
Where to Watch: In theaters
Swiped – September 19, 2025
Inspired by the real-life story, Lily James stars as Whitney Wolfe, a visionary who used her ingenuity to break into the male-dominated tech industry, launch the dating app Bumble, and become the youngest female self-made billionaire.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Hulu
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey – September 19, 2025
Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie co-star in this romantic drama about two strangers who meet at a friend’s wedding and find themselves on a fantastical adventure where they get to re-live important moments from their pasts.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie – September 26, 2025
Based on the popular Netflix kids series, this movie adaptation follows Gabby (Laila Lockhart Kraner) and her Grandma Gigi (Gloria Estefan) as they road trip to Cat Francisco and team up with the Gabby Cats to save Gabby’s dollhouse from the clutches of eccentric cat lady Vera (Kristen Wiig).
Where to Watch: In theaters
One Battle After Another – September 26, 2025
Writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood) assembles an all-star cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benecio del Toro and Regina Hall for this crime drama about a group of ex-revolutionaries who reunite to rescue one of their own’s daughter.
Where to Watch: In theaters
The Strangers – Chapter 2 – September 26, 2025
The chilling next chapter of The Strangers franchise, starring Madelaine Petsch (Riverdale) as the lone survivor of Chapter 1 who is again pursued by the trio of masked killers.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Anemone – October 3, 2025
Legendary actor Daniel Day-Lewis makes a rare appearance (his first since 2017’s Phantom Thread) in this family drama directed by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis.
Where to Watch: In theaters
The Smashing Machine – October 3, 2025
Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt star in this true story of UFC fighter Mark Kerr.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Ozzy: No Escape From Now – October 7, 2025
Produced in collaboration with the Osbourne family, this documentary follows the rock icon’s last six years of life as he struggled with his health and fought to get back on stage one last time.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Paramount+
Maintenance Required – October 8, 2025
Madelaine Petsch (Riverdale) stars in this You’ve Got Mail-style rom-com about the owner of an all-female mechanic shop who is forced to reevaluate her future when a flashy competitor moves in across the street.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Prime Video
If I Had Legs I’d Kick You – October 10, 2025
Rose Byrne (Bridesmaids, Platonic) delivers an award-worthy performance as a stressed out mom attempting to navigate her child’s mysterious illness, her absent husband, and an increasingly hostile relationship with her therapist. Also starring A$AP Rocky and Conan O’Brien.
Where to Watch: In select theaters on Oct. 10, then playing nationwide on Oct. 24.
Roofman – October 10, 2025
Based on an unbelievable true story, Roofman follows a struggling father (Channing Tatum) who turns to robbing McDonald’s restaurants by cutting holes in their roofs. After escaping prison, he secretly lives inside a Toys “R” Us for six months, surviving undetected while planning his next move. But when he falls for Leigh (Kirsten Dunst), a divorced mom drawn to his undeniable charm, his double life begins to unravel.
Where to Watch: In theaters
After the Hunt – October 10, 2025
From Challengers director Luca Guadagnino, this psychological drama follows a college professor (Julia Roberts) who finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads when a student (Ayo Edebiri) levels an accusation against one of her colleagues (Andrew Garfield), and a dark secret from her own past threatens to come into the light.
Where to Watch: In theaters in New York and Los Angeles on October 10, expanding on October 17
The Woman in Cabin 10 – October 10, 2025
Based on Ruth Ware‘s bestselling novel, Keira Knightley, Guy Pearce and Hannah Waddingham star in this psychological thriller about a journalist searching for a missing woman aboard a luxury cruise ship.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix
Tron: Ares – October 10, 2025
The third installment in the Tron franchise, starring Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Jeff Bridges, Jodie Turner-Smith and Evan Peters.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Kiss of the Spider Woman – October 10, 2025
Jennifer Lopez and Diego Luna star in this new film adaptation of the 1976 novel and Tony Award-winning 1993 Broadway musical of the same name.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Viscious – October 10, 2025
Dakota Fanning headlines this twisted horror tale about a girl who receives a mysterious box from an unexpected late-night visitor and soon finds herself trapped in a terrifying world where reality bends and memory betrays.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Paramount+
Black Phone 2 – October 17, 2025
Ethan Hawke returns to the most sinister role of his career as The Grabber seeks vengeance on Finn (Mason Thames) from beyond the grave by menacing Finn’s younger sister.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Good Fortune – October 17, 2025
A well-meaning but rather inept angel named Gabriel (Keanu Reeves) meddles in the lives of a struggling gig worker (Aziz Ansari) and a wealthy venture capitalist (Seth Rogen).
Where to Watch: In theaters
Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere – October 24, 2025
The Bear star Jeremy Allen White plays the Boss in this biopic which chronicles the making of Bruce Springsteen’s 1982 Nebraska album when he was a young musician on the cusp of global superstardom.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Regretting You – October 24, 2025
Allison Williams, Mckenna Grace and Dave Franco star in this adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Anniversary – October 29, 2025
Featuring an all-star cast, this gripping thriller follows a close-knit family who are torn apart when the son brings home a new girlfriend with a dangerous agenda. Starring Diane Lane, Kyle Chandler, Dylan O’Brien, Phoebe Dynevor, Zoey Deutch, and McKenna Grace.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Ballad of a Small Player – October 29, 2025
Colin Farrell stars as a high-stakes gambler lying low in Macau, China, until his past and his debts start to catch up with him.
Where to Watch: In select theaters October 15 and streaming on Netflix October 29
Bugonia – October 31, 2025
Emma Stone re-teams with her Poor Things and The Favourite director Yorgos Lanthimos for this dark comedy about two conspiracy-obsessed men who kidnap the CEO of a major company, convinced that she is an alien intent on destroying planet Earth.
Where to Watch: Limited engagement on October 24, then nationwide on October 31.
Christy – November 7, 2025
Sydney Sweeney delivers a knockout performance as she transforms into real life boxing hero Christy Martin in this much-anticipated biopic.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Frankenstein – November 7, 2025
Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro adapts Mary Shelley’s classic tale of Victor Frankenstein and his monstrous creation. Starring Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi and Mia Goth.
Where to Watch: In select theaters Oct. 17 and streaming on Netflix on Nov. 7.
