Annabelle's New Neighbor: 'The Conjuring: Last Rites' Director Reacts to Matt Rife Buying the Infamous Warren House

In a twist that sounds straight out of a horror film script, comedian Matt Rife has reportedly purchased the infamous Warren house – the very dwelling that inspired the chilling events of James Wan’s original blockbuster, “The Conjuring.” This unexpected acquisition has sent ripples through the paranormal community and, perhaps more significantly, caught the attention of those deeply entrenched in the cinematic universe it spawned.

Michael Chaves, the director set to helm the upcoming “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” has now weighed in on Rife’s bold move, offering a reaction that perfectly blends respect for the lore with a touch of bemused acknowledgment.

The house, located in Burrillville, Rhode Island, is legendary for its dark past, most notably the terrifying experiences of the Perron family in the 1970s.

Their harrowing encounters with alleged demonic entities became the cornerstone of Ed and Lorraine Warren’s most famous case, a saga later immortalized on screen. Beyond the spectral residents, the house is inextricably linked to one of the most unsettling artifacts in paranormal history: the Annabelle doll.

While the real Annabelle is a Raggedy Ann doll safely (or not so safely) locked away in the Warren Occult Museum, the lore surrounding the house and the doll are deeply intertwined, each amplifying the other's capacity for fear.

Chaves, who has already demonstrated his knack for unsettling narratives with “The Curse of La Llorona,” “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It,” and the upcoming “The Nun II,” understands the gravitas of Rife’s purchase better than most.

His reaction to the news, as reported, wasn't one of dismissive skepticism but rather a subtle nod to the enduring power and palpable “bad juju” associated with the property. For a director tasked with continuing one of the most successful horror franchises in history, an appreciation for the source material – and its real-world implications – is paramount.

Rife’s ownership of such a storied and supposedly haunted location adds an intriguing new chapter to its already rich, terrifying history.

One can only imagine the kind of stand-up material or, indeed, the unexpected paranormal experiences that might unfold within those walls. Will the comedian find himself face-to-face with the lingering spirits that once tormented the Perron family? Or perhaps, given the house's association with Annabelle, a new, unsettling energy will permeate his life.

For fans of “The Conjuring” universe, Rife’s purchase isn't just celebrity gossip; it's a real-world continuation of the very mythos that captivates them.

Chaves’ reaction underscores this sentiment: the Warren house isn't just an old building; it’s a living monument to fear, and its new owner, whether he intends to or not, has just become a part of its chilling legacy. As “The Conjuring: Last Rites” gears up to deliver its next dose of supernatural terror, the real-life drama unfolding in Rhode Island ensures that the line between fiction and frightening reality remains delightfully blurred.