The Conjuring has solidified its place as one of the most successful modern horror franchises, and it’s easy to see why. With master of horror James Wan at the helm of the original, and the electric on-screen chemistry between Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson as the iconic paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, the series continues to terrify and captivate audiences around the world.



The latest installment, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, saw a new voice step into the director’s chair: Michael Chaves, the filmmaker behind the chilling supernatural tale The Curse of La Llorona. Chaves brought a fresh energy to the franchise while honoring its eerie legacy, delivering a film that dives deeper into the Warrens' most shocking real-life case yet.



This entry stands apart for its grounding in true crime. The film dramatizes the infamous 1981 trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson—the first known U.S. case where demonic possession was used as a legal defense. Chaves faced the unique challenge of blending genre-driven horror with the real human tragedy behind the headlines. In our conversation, he opens up about navigating that delicate balance: respecting the real people involved while still delivering the supernatural intensity fans expect.



We were incredibly fortunate to have Michael Chaves join us for a very special episode of Sounds Scary. Hosts Ryan Cultrera and James “JimmyO” Oster had an amazing time digging into the creative process, behind-the-scenes moments, and the enduring appeal of The Conjuring universe.