Bonnie Aarons became a brand-new horror icon for her performance as Valak, a demonic entity first introduced in The Conjuring 2. The character became so popular that Valak became the focus of the movie The Nun. Now Warner Bros is following up that film’s success with The Nun 2, and the reaction from a recent screening of the movie points to more success.
Of course, the film takes a much different direction for the franchise than the main The Conjuring movies. It’s a period piece much like its direct predecessor and one that focuses more on the fantastic elements surrounding Valak than the alleged real-life case files of Ed and Lorraine Warren. But considering how popular the titular character has become – it’s no surprise that Valak’s story is being continued.
The Nun 2 recently screened – and according to some of the early reaction, it seems to be on par with what a fan of the popular franchise would expect – and that it’s even better than the first film.
Enjoyed #TheNun2 more than the first, and a few scares has me jumping in my seat. Storm Reid is a welcome addition to The Conjuring Universe, even if the story felt like three different films fighting for the main plot at times. Still had a blast and Bonnie Aarons is a treasure.
— BJ ColanGIALLO (Strike Edition) (@bjcolangelo) August 31, 2023
#TheNun2 is so extra and goes so hard that I’m now instantly obsessed and I will not be talking about anything else for the foreseeable future. Bravo Akela Cooper and Michael Chaves! pic.twitter.com/B66nSbiFQs
— Shannabelle Come Home (@shannon_mcgrew) August 31, 2023
The Nun 2 is infinitely better than the first film. It’s scarier and much more intense. This is what I wanted out of the first one, which was too heavy and bogged down with lore. Now we get to have FUN with this terrifying villain. Stay for the mid credit scene! #Nun2 pic.twitter.com/DmXVGjtvi4
— Tessa Smith – Mama’s Geeky (@MamasGeeky) August 31, 2023
#TheNun2 is a fun ride! While we still are in the world of religious lore, the film is filled with more fun and scares. The ending is satisfying, and the mid credit scene makes it all worth it. Definitely go see it. @thenunmovie pic.twitter.com/Ff5eyqpbtz
— That Hashtag Show (Official) (@ThatHashtagShow) August 31, 2023
#thenun2 is a super solid horror sequel. It’s got two good stories that intersect into a fantastic third act which is amazing until it loses focus just a bit right at the end. That misstep aside, it’s got awesome scares, effects and Sister Irene is legit a legend. pic.twitter.com/cbb7hwfxLU
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) August 31, 2023
#TheNun2 is infinitely better than the first installment. The characters of Irene and Maurice are explored in a more meaningful way, and the greater Conjuring Universe is impacted rather significantly. pic.twitter.com/dh9vPWPulo
— Brian Davids (@PickYourBrian) August 31, 2023
Cool trend that holds true for the Conjuring Universe: sequels tend to be better than the originals. The Conjuring 2 is better than The Conjuring; both Annabelle: Creation and Annabelle Comes Home are better than Annabelle; and now I can confirm The Nun 2 is better than The Nun. pic.twitter.com/ka78A4ggZt
— Eric Eisenberg (@eeisenberg) August 31, 2023
In addition to the Conjuring franchise, the films sparked the popular Annabelle series. The movies, much like The Nun, focused on one particular element from The Conjuring: the titular possessed doll. This doll has become a horror icon of its own and appeared in three stand-alone Annabelle films. It’s likely that Valak will have the same kind of success with the Nun series. Of course, that likely depends on how well The Nun II performs.
Michael Chaves, director of The Curse of La Llorona and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, directed The Nun II. The screenplay for the film was written by Akela Cooper.
Bonnie Aarons will once again play the titular nun aka Valak. Taissa Farmiga is set to reprise her role as Sister Irene from the first film. In addition, Storm Reid is also set to star.
Fans will be able to see The Nun 2 in theaters on September 8, 2023.
Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional updates on The Nun 2 and the rest of the Conjuring cinematic universe as we have them. There are still several new films set in the Conjuring universe on the way, so hopefully we’ll have more updates soon.