Hey guys! Horrorella here...
After the massive success of THE CONJURING over the summer (proving once again to The Suits, that yes, horror can be a financially bankable genre), we received word (via Bloody Disgusting) that New Line would be producing up to three spin-offs, as well as a direct sequel.
The first project in the works is ANNABELLE, which will focus on the misadventures of the absurdly-creepy demonic doll featured as one of the Warrens' famous case files in THE CONJURING. The Wrap reports that Annabelle Wallis (PEAKY BLINDERS, THE TUDORS) and Ward Horton (ONE LIFE TO LIVE) have been cast as the two leads. The film is being directed by John Leonetti, who served as cinematographer on THE CONJURING. James Wan has signed on as producer.
No specific plot details have been released, but I would venture a guess that the story will focus on Annabelle's exploits before the infamous case that introduced her to the Warrens. That story was covered briefly during THE CONJURING, but enough so that developing it into a full feature would be a huge re-hash.
But anything's possible. We'll have to wait to see how this one develops as it moves further into production.
