'Conjuring 2' Release Date Moved to 2016: James Wan Back in Director's Seat

'Conjuring 2' Release Date Moved to 2016: James Wan Back in Director's Seat

Fans of the supernatural horror movie will need to wait for a bit longer, as New Line Cinema delayed the theatrical premiere of "The Conjuring 2." According to reports published on Screenrant, the movie producer moved the original release date of October 26, 2015, forward to 2016. 

Known as the film with a low production cost but a big box office collection total, "The Conjuring"'s second installment is highly anticipated by movie critics and cinema buffs. Due to the popularity surrounding the sequel, New Line scheduled the release date to occur next year; however, after the franchise "ran into legal issues," the next chapter of the horror flick was delayed and replaced by another untitled film of the same genre.

The delay is also attributed to the director James Wan, who was behind the camera for the first Conjuring film, as he needs to fulfill commitments for the upcoming "Fast and Furious 7" movie. Initial reports indicated that the Australian director intended to leave the horror genre behind, but Deadline reported that the successful filmmaker will be assuming the director's seat once again for the production of "The Conjuring 2."

Wan, who has gained a reputation for making high-grossing, low-budget motion pictures, has reportedly signed a deal with New Line Cinema that includes his directorial comeback for "The Conjuring 2." The delay of the anticipated sequel will give Wan enough time to complete the promotional obligations that will arise following the release of his recently finished film, "Fast and Furious 7," which is set for release on April 3, 2015.

It is unsurprising that New Line Cinema has signed a deal with the director, whose heritage is both Malaysian and Chinese, as Wan is known for his work on the hugely successful "Saw" franchise, as well as the equally successful "Insidious 1" and "2" horror films. The first installment of "The Conjuring," which was also well received by global audiences, explores the extraordinary life of the Warrens—a married couple consisting of Ed and Lorraine—in relation to evil spirits and the haunted doll Annabelle.

Even though Wan previously explained that he wanted to take a break from making horror films for a while, his deep interest in the plot of the upcoming Conjuring film indicates otherwise: "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 and Lorraine Warren and expand on this world we've created."

Meanwhile, in another report from Deadline, New Line has already selected an untitled horror film to replace the October 2015 release date of the "Conjuring 2." Rumors suggest that the replacement horror film slated for next year's release is either "Crawlspace," by Phil Claydon and Chris Lofing, or Travis Cluff's debut film, "Superstition."

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