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James Wan, the visionary director behind The Conjuring franchise, isn't quite ready to say goodbye to the universe of paranormal investigations. In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly, Wan revealed that he still harbors a strong desire to bring a previously scrapped spinoff, The Crooked Man, to life.

The film, based on a particularly chilling chapter from Ed and Lorraine Warren's case files, was initially in development but ultimately didn't move forward. However, Wan's passion for the project hasn't faded. “Just as a fan, I would love to do it one day, if I can convince the studio to do so,” he stated, hinting at the potential for future negotiations.

The Crooked Man's story centers around a demonic entity that manifests as a crooked figure, preying on families and leaving a trail of unsettling events. The Warrens’ involvement in investigating this entity provided a rich foundation for a standalone film, distinct yet connected to the broader Conjuring narrative. The concept offered a unique opportunity to explore a different facet of the supernatural, shifting away from the traditional haunted house tropes that have defined much of the franchise.

With The Conjuring: Last Rites serving as what's currently considered the final installment in the core series, Wan's desire to resurrect The Crooked Man suggests a continued interest in expanding the Conjuring universe. He acknowledged that while the main storyline has reached a natural conclusion, the wealth of material from the Warrens' files presents endless possibilities for new stories and characters.

“I still have a movie in my head,” Wan confessed, emphasizing the depth of his vision for The Crooked Man. This statement underscores his commitment to the project and his belief that it could offer a compelling and terrifying addition to the franchise. It remains to be seen whether he'll be able to convince studio executives to greenlight the film, but Wan's enthusiasm is undeniable, and fans of the series are eagerly hoping to see his dream realized.

The success of the Conjuring franchise has cemented its place as a cornerstone of the horror genre. Wan’s ability to craft suspenseful, character-driven narratives, combined with the real-life inspiration from the Warrens' cases, has resonated with audiences worldwide. A Crooked Man spinoff, crafted with Wan's signature style, would undoubtedly attract significant attention and further solidify the franchise’s legacy.