With the massive success ofM3GANproving the undying appeal of the killer doll subgenre, perhaps now is the perfect time to resurrect another iconic toy terror from the past.M3GANis dominating the conversation these days, but it will be interesting to see her face-off against a competitor, and none would be more worthy thanAnnabelle— the one who walked so she couldrundance. Much like her high-tech successor,Annabellebecame an instant fan favorite following her debut inThe Conjuring, which led to her own trilogy of spin-offs. Despite mixed critical receptions and wildly varying quality, theAnnabellefilms were box office hits. Now, six years after the last installment, directorDavid F. Sandbergand writerGary Dauberman,both key players inAnnabelle’s original run, are starting to toy with the idea of her comeback.
Sandberg and Dauberman last collaborated onAnnabelle: Creation(2017), the second installment in the franchise, which gave audiences a better understanding of the possessed doll’s origins. The film was a monster box office hit and is widely regarded as the strongest entry in the franchise, thanks in no small part to the duo’s creative synergy. Dauberman went on to make his directorial debut in the latest entry,Annabelle Comes Home,which he also wrote. Both creators recently reunited for the first time since then for the upcoming video game film adaptation of the survival horror video game,Until Dawn. While promoting the movie during a recent interview withCBR, they also teased the possibility of returning to the haunted halls of theAnnabelleuniverse.
WhileThe Conjuringfranchise is expected to conclude this fall withThe Conjuring: Last Rites, Dauberman and Sanberg remain hopeful that Annabelle’s story could continue regardless. “It’s been talked about,” Dauberman said when asked about a potential fourthAnnabellefilm, adding coyly, “That’s all I can… that’s all I’ll say about it.” Sanberg echoed the optimism and even hinted at a refreshed take on the haunted doll, saying, “I mean, she’s still around.You could do a modern day one.” Speaking about what form that might take, Dauberman teased endless possibilities: “Listen, there’s a lot of different stories. It’s just New Line’s [decision]. They get to decide that.”
How Successful Were the ‘Annabelle’ Films?
Studios often follow the numbers, and when it comes toAnnabelle, the figures speak for themselves. Witha combined global box office haul nearing $800 million across three films, against a comparably meager $54 million budget, the haunted doll accounts for a significant slice ofThe Conjuringfranchise’s $2.2 billion total.That kind of financial success makes a strong case for her return. While the critical reception has been mixed, history shows thatbox office performancetends to carry more weight in greenlighting sequels. If Dauberman’s interest holds, we may not have seen the last ofAnnabelle. Until then, fingers crossed.
In the meantime, mark your calendars for Dauberman and Sandberg’s next joint project,Until Dawn, hitting theaters on June 22, 2025. And as always, stay tuned for more juicy updates on your favorite franchises.
