Exclusives
Why James Wan Probably Won’t Direct ‘The Conjuring 3’
Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema announced yesterday work has begun on a third Conjuring with The Conjuring 2‘s David Leslie Johnson penning the screenplay. The reports also included a note about James Wan, who directed the first two films that have since been spun off into several franchises including Annabelle, The Nun and the forthcoming Crooked Man. According to the trades, it is “highly unlikely” that Wan would return to the director’s chair. Various publications are now reporting that he will not helm the third film, which is not what was reported. This prompted me to do the actual work and see if I could find some more information for you guys. Here’s what I got.
As previously reported, Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson are returning in The Conjuring 3 as Lorraine and Ed Warren. Per one of my sources, the duo prefers to reunite with Wan, who has a strong affinity for the actors. While you can never say never (the door is open), Wan will most likely pass the torch to someone new. In fact, his hand may be forced as Conjuring 3 clashes with his Aquaman schedule.
Obviously, we horror fans would rejoice if Wan would complete the trilogy, a feat that rarely occurs in cinema. It’s also worth noting that the third film could ditch the “haunted house” angle and do something completely new, which would be perfect for Wan to avoid retread. Even if he were to step away from the universe as a director he’ll continue to wear the producer hat, which is comforting in its own right. Watch for more news as it comes in.
Exclusives
New Documentaries Explore the Cult Legacies of ‘The Keep’ and ‘Wolfen’; Watch the Trailers Now [Exclusive]
Undersung werewolf gem Wolfen and Michael Mann’s The Keep get the spotlight in a pair of feature documentaries acquired by Antenna Releasing.
A World War II Fairy Tale, which covers the infamous production of and reception to The Keep, will receive a limited theatrical release in October, followed by a TVOD release on Apple/Amazon. The Keep will also screen as a double feature for some showings.
For Uncovering Wolfen, Antenna eyes a limited theatrical release for 2027. Both films are currently available for booking via Antenna prior to their theatrical and digital releases.
Both documentaries are directed by Stewart Buck, who co-helms with Stéphane Piter on A World War II Fairy Tale.
“We at Antenna are obsessed with film history,” said Chief Acquisitions Officer Billy Ray Brewton. “Stewart has done such a remarkable job of really diving into the deepest recesses of how these films were made and, in doing so, has created the definitive histories of both projects.”
“We’re delighted to be partnering with Antenna Releasing!” said director Buck. “It’s refreshing to see a filmmaker-friendly approach to distribution with people who know what it’s like to be in the trenches with independent projects that struggle to find a home in the crowded marketplace.”
Check out our exclusive trailer and poster reveal of both documentaries below.
Released in 1983, Michael Mann’s The Keep was a notorious box office bomb, critically lambasted and all but forgotten for years, save for the fascination with Tangerine Dream’s iconic score. In recent years, the film has enjoyed a bit of a resurgence and is widely considered a cult classic, though director Michael Mann and many cast members refuse to acknowledge it.
Wolfen, on the other hand, was critical success but was overshadowed heavily by its flashier 1981 siblings An American Werewolf in London and The Howling. It’s also a trailblazer for socio-political horror, and the doc will explore that via the craftspeople who made it.
Look for them both in theaters soon. Stay tuned for more as it arrives.
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