Interview: Orion Young & Madison Lawlor on Playing Young Ed & Lorraine Warren in THE CONJURING: LAST RITES

Madison Lawlor as Young Lorraine and Orion Smith as Young Ed in New Line Cinema's THE CONJURING: LAST RITES | Photo Credit: Giles Keyte

By Shannon McGrew

In THE CONJURING LAST RITES, Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson reunite for one last case as renowned, real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Inspired by actual events experienced by the Smurl family, whose home was believed to be inhabited by a demonic infestation, the Warrens come face to face with an evil that has its eyes on the heart of the Warren family, their daughter, Judy. 

For the upcoming release of THE CONJURING LAST RITES, Creepy Kingdom’s Shannon McGrew spoke with actors Orion Young and Madison Lawlor, who play younger versions of Ed and Lorraine Warren. During our chat, we discussed everything from honoring Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga’s legacy to working with director Michael Chaves and exploring the heart of the Warrens’ relationship. 

Thank you both so much for speaking with me today! To kick things off, when stepping into the role of Lorraine and Ed as a younger, married couple, did you go back and watch the earlier Conjuring films to study Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga’s performances?  

Orion Young: Absolutely. That was a big guiding light through the whole process, going back and watching them and rewatching them and seeing the nuances, seeing the things I missed. I also enjoy watching those movies, so it wasn’t too hard of homework for me. 

Madison Lawlor: Same. So much of what the audience has fallen in love with is not only Ed and Lorraine’s story, but also Vera and Patrick’s portrayal of Ed and Lorraine. It was crucial for me to revisit Vera’s work and performance, trying to tap into what she brought that fans had fallen in love with. 

With the weight of the Conjuring legacy, was there any added pressure knowing you were stepping into roles that fans have followed for over a decade? 

Madison Lawlor: They are big shoes to fill. The franchise has been going on for a decade, featuring real people. Vera and Patrick have done an amazing job portraying them, and the audience has fallen in love with them. I definitely felt a massive responsibility, not only to the real Lorraine, but also to Vera and to the fans, too. Vera was the best. She was such an open book and extremely encouraging, and was like, If you have any questions, please ask me, I’m here for you. She also gave her advice and opinions on things. She was really amazing to work with. 

Orion Young: The pressure to do the role well, to do it right, to do it justice, was a lot because it is such an incredible franchise and has been around for so long. The first time I met Patrick, I remember I was so nervous that he might rightfully be protective of the role, but immediately upon meeting him, he was so kind and trusting. He gave great advice about really going for it. Talking with him about who Ed was was such a fun process. At the end, he gave me a little encouragement, and I was like, all right, it’s going to be okay [Laughs].

Madison Lawlor as Young Lorraine and Orion Smith as Young Ed in New Line Cinema's THE CONJURING: LAST RITES | Photo Credit: Giles Keyte

Director Michael Chaves, who has also directed The Curse of La Llorona, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, and The Nun II, is closing out the franchise with this story. What was it like working with him on this? 

Madison Lawlor: Chaves is so incredibly enthusiastic. He loves movies, especially horror movies, and he cares so much for the story. His energy is really infectious, and he’s also kind, showing a lot of respect for actors and the story. I think he was a great leader, and he brought out the best in everyone. Everyone really felt like they were working on the same team, but he also knows exactly what he wants. It’s helpful because you know you can trust him because he won’t move on unless he’s got it. I felt very safe in his hands, and it was an absolute pleasure working with him. 

Orion Young: Madison said it perfectly. His vision was clear and easy to work with, and he was positive and excited. Even after seeing him for the screening, it was so great catching up with him. He’s just such a good guy and a nice person to be around and have in our lives. I feel so lucky. 

What do you think it is about the Warrens’ story that resonates with you both? Did you find anything about their relationship or their work that you connected with on a deeper level? 

Orion Young: Their relationship in general is so beautiful to me. Throughout the entire franchise, it is really the heart; their love for each other, through thick and thin, is incredible. They go through some tough things in this movie, but their unwavering love, support, and trust in each other have always been incredible for me to even watch in the series.  

Madison Lawlor: You said it perfectly. Something that also strikes me is they have a sense of playfulness, and they have a great sense of humor and rapport with each other that I think, amongst all this madness and all this very intense stuff, it’s such a nice breath of fresh air. Their rapport is just so charming, dynamic, and colorful. 

Lastly, if you guys were faced with something paranormal in real life, do you think you’d react more like Ed or Lorraine? 

Orion Young: I think I’m an Ed! I’d be practical about it. I’d be like, okay, we’re haunted, what are we going to do? How do we deal with this? Clearly, I would also be frightened [Laughs]. 

Madison Lawlor: I would act more like Lorraine. I think she’s frightened too, but I think she cares so much about the people that she’s trying to help. I would love to believe that I would be that way, too. 

THE CONJURING: LAST RITES arrives in theaters September 5, 2025.