The Nun director says movie feels like something “new” in franchise

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

THE CONJURING cinematic universe is probably the one franchise few expected to be going so well, but the fact of the matter is it’s doing great. Mostly great reviews and terrific box office numbers have established it as the new horror franchise to pay attention to, and this summer’s THE NUN will hopefully keep the terror train chugging. The movie’s director, Corin Hardy, certainly thinks the movie is something special, saying in a new interview that the script was unlike anything he’s read before.

While speaking with filmmaker's Joe Lynch (MAYHEM) and Adam Green (VICTOR CROWLEY) for The Movie Crypt podcast (via EW), Hardy said that when reading the script it didn’t feel like just another sequel or spinoff, even though it has its roots in the franchise.

But it was really exciting, when I read the script, that it was something new. So, it’s part of this universe that’s been established, with a character that appeared in a movie, but it wasn’t like doing a sequel or a remake.

One way the director is trying to put his stamp on the franchise and to make it feel unique and horrifying is by embracing as many practical effects as he can. The movie was shot Transylvania, and bringing out that haunting, realistic locale’s vibe is key.

I’ve come from a love of practical. It’s not just nostalgic, it’s things being real and tangible, and you can light them in front of the camera if they’re there, you can touch them, people can see them, you can make them wet and they look great. All of that stuff you can do in CG but it takes such a lot of work to do it to the right level…I always want to say, "Let’s do everything as much as we possibly can for real, including in-camera stunts, effects, and then use the CGI to be beautiful, original, invisible tool.”

THE NUN has a lot to live up to. The franchise consisting of THE CONJURING, ANNABELLE, THE CONJURING 2 and ANNABELLE: CREATION has brought in over a billion dollars worldwide. Warner Bros. had massive horror year in 2017 with CREATION and IT bringing in a combined billion worldwide, and with a September 7 release, THE NUN may have a chance of being just as successful. Well, maybe more CREATION-level success than IT.  

As for Hardy's approach to the movie, I appreciate it when any director goes the practical route for stuff like this. It would be easy for a movie like this to go down the crappy CGI route, but to take advantage of the scenery, natural lighting, and the uneasy atmosphere is what can make it a potentially terrifying movie. And, of course, the end goal is to make us wet ourselves, yes?

THE NUN arrives September 7.