The Conjuring: Last Rites Stars Reflect on Playing Young Ed and Lorraine Warren – INTERVIEW

Madison Lawlor and Orion Smith talk about becoming the Young Warrens in The Conjuring: Last Rites.

The Conjuring: Last Rites has already conjured up $349,874,563 at the global box office, proving the enduring power of one of horror’s most iconic franchises. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson return as Lorraine and Ed Warren, but this chapter also introduces audiences to the Warrens’ earlier years through performances by Madison Lawlor and Orion Smith. The two portray the young versions of the legendary paranormal investigators, and they recently spoke with me to discuss stepping into such legendary roles.

Honoring Horror Icons

When asked about their initial reaction to being cast, Lawlor described the moment as “initially ecstatic” before quickly realizing the responsibility that came with it, admitting, “These are big shoes to fill. Definitely the pressure was there too.” Smith felt the same mix of excitement and fear, saying it was “so cool” at first, but then it hit him: “Oh, I have to do this justice. It was a lot of pressure, but an honor.”

The two studied the performances of Farmiga and Wilson closely, with the veteran stars even offering their support. Lawlor said Vera Farmiga “was so generous with her time” and encouraged her to bring her own approach to the role, explaining that the filmmakers wanted the younger versions to bring a different energy. “It became a marriage of honoring the past and embracing something new,” she said.

Audition Challenges

The casting process itself was not straightforward. Lawlor admitted she didn’t even know she was auditioning for young Lorraine until her callback, when the team told her to “study her, study her, study her.” She explained that the studio was “trepidatious” about recasting such iconic roles and that the casting team had to push hard for their approval.

Smith added that the studio could have easily de-aged Farmiga and Wilson, but instead “took a risk to hire us,” something he sees as encouraging for the future of Hollywood. “I bow my head to the producers for taking it,” he said.

Tackling Haunting Scenes

One of the film’s most unforgettable sequences is the harrowing delivery scene, which both actors described as one of the most demanding experiences of their careers. Lawlor recalled that it “required so much stamina” and that she relied heavily on Smith’s presence, saying she felt safe knowing “we’re in this together and you’ve got my back.”

Smith agreed, noting that the multi-day shoot was “exhausting” but that he focused on being present in the moment with Lawlor. “It came down to really living through the trauma the characters were facing,” he explained.

The intensity was heightened by the production team’s attention to detail. From the lighting and set design to prosthetics so realistic they unsettled even the cast, the experience felt, as Lawlor put it, like “a team sport” where every department contributed to building the haunting world.

Shifting Perspectives

Portraying paranormal investigators also changed how the pair views the world around them. Smith admitted he now thinks differently when walking into old houses, often wondering “what was on this land before” and if something might be lingering.

Lawlor said she feels the same way when browsing antique shops, explaining that while she once only admired items for their beauty, she now wonders, “Who owned this before me, and where was this before me?” Both agreed that dolls and mirrors, in particular, are off the list of collectibles they’d ever consider bringing home.

Looking Ahead

Although there are no confirmed plans for a spin-off featuring the young Warrens, both actors would love the chance to continue their story. Smith called playing young Ed “the role of a lifetime,” while Lawlor said she is simply grateful to be part of such a beloved horror universe.

Outside of The Conjuring, Lawlor is preparing for the premiere of a film she co-wrote and co-produced, debuting at Fantastic Fest this month. Smith teased that he has new projects in the works and hinted that his martial arts skills could soon make their way to the screen.

The Conjuring: Last Rites is now in theaters worldwide. With a chilling new chapter that honors the legacy of Ed and Lorraine Warren while introducing fresh faces to their story, the franchise continues to prove why it remains a cornerstone of modern horror. Read our movie review.

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