As we told you yesterday, New Line Cinema had been courting James Wan to return to direct The Conjuring 2, which was our guess as to why the delay. We were right on the money.

Deadline writes that Wan has closed a big two-pronged deal with New Line Cinema. He will return to direct The Conjuring 2, with shooting to begin next summer.

In addition, the hit-making Australian who had a major hand in launching the Saw and Insidious franchises and The Conjuring and most recently Annabelle, has made a first-look producing deal with the Warner Bros-based film label.

At New Line, Wan will develop and produce modest budget films in the science fiction, horror, and comedy genres through his Atomic Monster production banner!

“It was during the editing of Fast & Furious 7 that my brain started sparking ideas for The Conjuring sequel,” Wan said. “Taking a break from horror has allowed me to be creatively rejuvenated. I’m excited to tell the story of the next case-file of Ed & Lorraine Warren and expand on this world we’ve created.”

As for his goals with the producing deal, Wan said his hope is to “continue the successful and creative partnership with the studio, and to produce projects that excite me from across all genres of film — thriller, sci-fi, action, comedy, horror. I look forward to collaborating with young and passionate filmmakers — actors, writers, directors, designers — to produce films that connect with today’s audiences.”