Actor Orion Smith shares his journey of stepping into the shoes of a young Ed Warren in “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” balancing the weight of legacy with his own fresh interpretation.
Imagine stepping into a role long defined by another actor. The task can feel both daunting and exhilarating. That’s exactly the position Orion Smith found himself in when he was cast as the younger version of Ed Warren in the highly anticipated horror film “The Conjuring: Last Rites.”
For Smith, who had been a fan of the franchise for years, landing the role was a dream come true. Yet with the opportunity came immense responsibility. Ed Warren—a character layered with humanity, faith and quiet strength—has been memorably portrayed by Patrick Wilson for more than a decade. In conversation with DAMAN, Smith opened up about the process of taking on this beloved character and the unique challenges of bringing “The Conjuring: Last Rites” to life.
DAMAN: What first drew you to audition for the role of young Ed Warren in “The Conjuring: Last Rites”?
Orion Smith: Being a fan of the franchise, when I received the audition, I knew right away that I wanted the role. The pull toward playing Young Ed was immediate.
DA: How did it feel to step into such an iconic role, previously defined by Patrick Wilson, for the final chapter of the main series?
OS: It was definitely a lot of pressure, but in the end, it was extremely rewarding. Ed Warren has become a beloved character, and Patrick Wilson’s portrayal is full of depth and heart. Once I was cast, I did everything I could to honor both the story and the character.
DA: What was your preparation process like for capturing the essence of young Ed Warren? Did you focus more on Patrick Wilson’s performance or Ed Warren’s real-life persona?
OS: I really tried to get into Ed’s mindset. My first step was research—I looked for as much as I could about the real Ed and Lorraine online. Madison and I were also given a drive of footage from WB showing Ed and Lorraine’s actual cases. On top of that, I revisited the entire Conjuring universe, rewatching the films and closely studying Patrick Wilson. His performance was definitely my guiding light.
DA: Which scene proved most challenging to film, and how did you approach it?
OS: There were many difficult moments, but the final sequence—shot over several days—was especially demanding. I approached it by focusing on the mindset of a devoted husband and father. I even read a book about being a good husband during pregnancy to better understand that stage of life.
DA: How did Patrick Wilson help guide your understanding of Ed, particularly in his confidence and devotion to Lorraine?
OS: We talked a lot about how essential Lorraine is to Ed, and how central their relationship is to the entire story. Patrick’s understanding of the character, especially in his bond with Lorraine, really shines through in his work. That gave me a lot to build on. The film includes flashbacks to 1964, which really highlight those dynamics.
DA: What was it like meeting Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson on set, and how did that affect your performance?
OS: I was incredibly fortunate. Patrick spent real time with me, working through the character. The first time we met, we sat down for an hour and went over every line and beat of my scenes. He was so generous with his time and open to letting me step into the role. Before meeting him, I worried he might be protective of Ed, and understandably so—he’s played him for over a decade. But after our first meeting, he told me, “Trust your instincts, you got this.” That blessing allowed me to relax and fully own the role.
DA: Were there specific traits or mannerisms you focused on to make your portrayal authentic?
OS: Ed is such a practical man, and I thought a lot about his grounded nature—even in the way he moves. The challenge was imagining how that steadiness might have been less defined when he was younger, as he was still finding his footing.
DA: As a fan of the franchise, was there a particular moment from the earlier films that inspired your preparation?
OS: Definitely. I loved the moments when Ed is fixing something—a car or a sink—while talking about his relationship with Lorraine. Those scenes show not only how practical he is but also how deeply in love he is with her. That balance really inspired me.
DA: How did you and Madison Lawlor build the chemistry needed to portray Ed and Lorraine’s young relationship?
OS: Madison and I first met at the callback, and we were both nervous. But our chemistry clicked right away, and within minutes we were running scenes as a young, loving couple. While filming in England, we didn’t know many people, so we often spent time together—grabbing coffee, talking about life and the characters. The town was small, so even when we didn’t plan to meet, we often ran into each other, which helped us bond naturally.
DA: How did you balance the horror aspects with the emotional depth of Ed and Lorraine’s love story?
OS: Honestly, acting in a horror film isn’t too different from any other role. Ed and Lorraine’s love is so central to who they are, and the paranormal is just part of their reality. My focus was on Lorraine, and once I embraced the circumstances, everything else flowed naturally.
DA: What was it like working with director Michael Chaves, especially given his vision for the scares?
OS: Working with Michael was incredible. He’s such a talented director with a crystal-clear vision, scares included. That clarity is the best gift an actor can get. He’s also a huge fan of horror, so seeing him light up with excitement on set was inspiring.
DA: You mentioned a spooky incident with a door opening on its own. Were there other eerie moments during filming?
OS: Yes, one stands out. The week after I was cast, I spent hours researching and watching Ed and Lorraine’s tapes. That night, for the first time ever, I felt like something was in the room with me. I turned on the lights, but the feeling wouldn’t go away. I grabbed the rosary I’d been using while studying Ed and held it tight. Eventually, I made it through the night, but I barely slept. It was terrifying.
DA: The audition process sounded intense, especially the three-hour callback. What was that like?
OS: When I saw the audition was for “The Conjuring,” I was so excited I even called off work to record my tape. I stayed up late—finished around 1 a.m.—and sent it in. Two weeks later, I got the callback. Madison and I went through a grueling three hours of shouting, crying and holding each other. Walking out, I had no idea if I had landed the role, but Michael Chaves told me he was rooting for me. A week later, I got the call—I was in.
DA: Did filming in London influence your experience or performance?
OS: I was staying in St. Albans, a small town outside London. On days off, I explored the area, talked to locals and visited the church and cemeteries. The locals swore the place was haunted. I tried to absorb the atmosphere and imagine how Ed might have felt living in a similar town.
DA: What lessons did you take from playing young Ed, especially regarding his faith and trust in Lorraine?
OS: I came away with the belief that with enough effort and trust, things work out in the end. Despite everything Ed and Lorraine went through—the trauma, the hauntings—their love endured. That’s what stayed with me.
DA: How did you feel watching the final cut of “The Conjuring: Last Rites”?
OS: It was such a thrill, especially seeing it in a packed theater with everyone screaming and laughing together. When it ended, I felt incredibly proud to be part of it.
Photography Lens By Mi
Styling Kimberly Goodnight
Hair, Makeup and Grooming Faye Lauren at Tracey Mattingly Agency using Charlotte Tilbury and Oribe