The Conjuring universe has captivated audiences for over a decade with its chilling stories, heart-pounding scares, and the iconic couple at its core — Ed and Lorraine Warren. With The Conjuring: Last Rites, the franchise takes fans deeper into the Warrens’ history, introducing younger versions of the beloved paranormal investigators.
In this exclusive Pop Culture Unplugged interview, Madison Lawler and Orion Smith sit down with Elias to discuss what it was like stepping into these legendary roles, the preparation it took, and what fans can expect from this emotional and terrifying conclusion to the saga.
Joining the Conjuring Legacy
From the moment they were cast, both Madison and Orion knew they were stepping into something special.
“It’s incredibly exciting, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it,” Madison shared. “The horror fan base is so incredible, and the world they’ve created is just amazing. It’s been an epic adventure.”
Orion echoed her excitement, adding that joining a franchise with such a dedicated following felt “mind-blowing” and humbling.
Becoming Young Ed & Lorraine Warren
Playing real-life figures who have already been immortalized by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson is no small task. Madison, who portrays the younger version of Lorraine, recalls her first reaction to landing the role:
“I was ecstatic. Michael called me, and I just said, ‘Oh my gosh, thank you.’ I was ready to get to work and study everything Vera had done to bring Lorraine to life.”
For Orion, the pressure of playing young Ed faded once he met Patrick Wilson:
“Patrick was so kind and supportive on set. He told me, ‘You’ll be all right. You’ll figure it out.’ That kind of encouragement made the whole experience incredible.”
Research and Preparation
Both actors immersed themselves in the history of Ed and Lorraine, blending research on the real couple with careful study of the performances fans have come to love.
“So much of the fans’ connection is to Vera and Patrick’s interpretations,” Madison explained. “Vera was so generous with her time and insights. Having those conversations with her was so important and really informed my performance.”
Orion agreed, saying that diving deep into the Warrens’ story was key:
“I loved the research aspect. But then you have to set it aside and focus on how Patrick and Vera created characters that are so loving and welcoming. That became my foundation.”
Chemistry On and Off Set
The bond between Ed and Lorraine is central to their story, and Madison and Orion worked hard to capture that connection.
“I was so grateful to do this with Orion,” Madison said. “We went through the whole process together, and from the start, I felt so supported and comfortable.”
Orion added, “Even during callbacks, we clicked right away. By the time we were shooting in London, we were spending so much time together, talking through scenes, and building that trust.”
Fan Expectations and Emotional Depth
For longtime fans, Last Rites promises both scares and emotional resonance. Madison teased that the movie gives viewers a deeper understanding of the couple’s roots:
“A lot of this film explores the beginnings of Ed and Lorraine. I think fans will appreciate getting to see what they went through in those early days.”
Orion noted that the film feels like a true love letter to the franchise’s fans:
“It’s like a culmination of everything that’s led to this moment. Audiences will feel that grand finale energy.”
Lessons from Horror Legends
Working with Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson provided lessons the young stars won’t forget. Orion shared one piece of advice that stuck with him:
“Patrick told me, ‘Give it your all — even on the first take.’ That advice really shaped how I approached those intense scenes.”
Madison agreed:
“With this genre, the stakes are so high. You have to embrace the intensity and live in the moment.”
The Takeaway
The Conjuring: Last Rites promises to deliver thrills, chills, and heartfelt moments that fans of the franchise will love. For Madison Lawler and Orion Smith, stepping into the shoes of Ed and Lorraine Warren wasn’t just another job — it was a journey into one of horror’s most beloved universes.
Catch their full interview on Pop Culture Unplugged and get ready for the highly anticipated finale when The Conjuring: Last Rites hits theaters.