14 DAY TRIAL // “The Conjuring” was the biggest horror hit at the box office last year, grossing over $310 million (€228 million) on a $20 million (€14.7 budget), so it’s no wonder NewLine is looking to bank on it by turning it into a franchise. A spinoff has been confirmed.
The Wrap reports that it will be called “Annabelle” and will focus on the evil doll Annabelle the Warrens kept in their room of demonic objects, in the box that was never to be opened, as those who saw “The Conjuring” probably remember.
It was the most powerful and most evil object in the room, and also one of the spookiest for viewers. Making a spinoff with her makes sense and, though no big name is attached to it yet, it will probably draw in the crowds, especially since the doll actually exists.
Annabelle Wallis of “Peaking Blinders” and Ward Horton have been booked to appear in the film, the trade publication reports.
“John Leonetti, who served as the cinematographer on ‘The Conjuring,’ is directing from a script by Gary Dauberman. Peter Safran is producing, while ‘The Conjuring’ director James Wan is among the executive producers,” says the e-zine.
And “Annabelle” isn’t the only project NewLine has in mind to expand the horror universe of “The Conjuring.” Word online has it that a direct sequel is also in the works, and that another spinoff will probably come out as well.
If these rumors turn out to be true, horror fans have a lot to look forward to in the next couple of years.