Known for her versatility both in front of and behind the camera, Madison Lawlor shares her experience on the set of “The Conjuring: Last Rites” and what it meant to take on an already iconic character
The final chapter has arrived. More than a decade after the release of “The Conjuring” in 2013, the franchise concludes with a grand finale in “The Conjuring: Last Rites.” The film follows two parents trying to protect their children from harm in their new home, ultimately calling in paranormal investigators.
Beyond acting, Madison Lawlor has built a career that spans filmmaking, directing, producing, writing and photography. In “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” she takes on the role of young Lorraine Warren, portraying a junior version of the renowned supernatural expert in flashbacks to one of her early cases. In this exclusive conversation with DAMAN, Lawlor opens up about stepping into such a beloved character and shares insights from her time on set.
DAMAN: What inspired you to audition for the role of Young Lorraine Warren in “The Conjuring: Last Rites”?
Madison Lawlor: My team got me the audition and then it was off to the races! I love the Conjuring universe—what they’ve built is so incredible—so the prospect of being part of it in any way was very exciting to me.
DA: How did you feel stepping into the shoes of such an iconic character, previously portrayed by Vera Farmiga?
ML: It’s definitely big shoes to fill and I certainly felt a lot of pressure to do her justice. Audiences and fans have fallen in love with Vera’s Lorraine, and Ed and Lorraine are really the beating heart of the whole franchise, so I really wanted our younger versions of them to feel familiar.
DA: Can you describe your process for preparing to play a young Lorraine Warren, especially since she’s based on a real person?
ML: There was a lot of research involved—watching old tapes and interviews of Ed and Lorraine when they were younger—but I also studied Vera’s performance in the films and watched them countless times. She is so incredible and brings so many dynamic layers. I really looked for things I could tap into, such as her mannerisms, the way she speaks, the way she looks at Ed and says his name.
DA: What was it like working with Vera Farmiga to understand Lorraine’s mannerisms, such as her use of the rosary beads?
ML: She is just wonderful. She is so warm and generous with her knowledge and experience playing Lorraine, while also being incredibly encouraging and empowering me to own the younger Lorraine and bring that energy and perspective.
DA: You mentioned the intensity of filming certain scenes. Which scene was the most challenging for you, and why?
ML: Without giving anything away, a lot of our scenes are very emotionally intense and the stakes are at an all-time high. These characters are dealing with life-or-death situations as well as evil forces they’re trying to ward off. All of those scenes take such stamina, physically and emotionally, so pacing myself ended up being critical.
DA: How did you collaborate with Orion Smith to portray the early dynamic of Ed and Lorraine’s relationship?
ML: We shot on location just outside of London, and Orion and I were sort of isolated in this new city, so we spent a lot of free time beforehand talking about Ed and Lorraine’s life and relationship. We also went into London and explored on our day off, and I think that helped create a rapport and sense of comfort. Orion is such a kind and genuine person—it was wonderful to work with him. We both trusted each other, knowing we had to do all these intense scenes, but we had each other’s backs. He was a great teammate.
DA: What was your reaction when you learned you’d be part of the final chapter of “The Conjuring” series?
ML: I was absolutely ecstatic and incredibly grateful.
DA: How did you balance portraying Lorraine’s clairvoyant abilities with her emotional connection to Ed in the flashback scenes?
ML: I think Ed is very grounding for Lorraine, so there’s this dance of allowing yourself to get lost in the visions and clairvoyance but always looking to Ed to come back out of it.
DA: Did the spooky atmosphere of the set affect you off-camera?
ML: The set was actually such a wonderful environment. Everyone was so kind and hardworking, and there was a great sense of humor and lightness to balance out the intensity of the scenes. But after long, emotionally draining days it can be hard to shut your brain off. Your body and brain get confused, like—what just happened? What did you just put me through!
DA: How did director Michael Chaves guide you in capturing the essence of a younger Lorraine?
ML: Michael has an infectious enthusiasm for horror, but also such a strong vision and knows exactly what he’s looking for. He helped me pinpoint certain things about myself that translated well or captured the essence we were looking for. He also created an environment of safety and encouragement, so I felt free to go for it and take big swings.
DA: The film’s 1964 flashbacks show a pivotal moment for the Warrens. How did you prepare for these emotionally charged scenes?
ML: For me it’s about creating a sense of privacy and presence for yourself amidst the madness. Putting yourself in that headspace requires a lot of focus and calm, so when the moment comes you’re ready to go.
DA: What was it like filming in the UK, and did the sets, like the recreated Warren house, influence your performance?
ML: I love shooting on location. It helps me immerse myself, and there’s something about that isolation—being away from everyone and everything you know—that creates freedom to explore and dive deep into the character and story. The sets were also incredibly immersive. The production design and art were gorgeous and detailed, making everything feel much more real.
DA: How did you handle the pressure of joining such a beloved horror franchise with a massive fanbase?
ML: I think there’s a balance you have to find so you don’t get in your head about things. But I like pressure—I think it’s important to care, and a healthy amount of pressure helps you do your best.
DA: Which movie or moment in “The Conjuring” franchise inspired you most for this role?
ML: I think the first film is just such an iconic movie and laid the groundwork so beautifully for the whole world they’ve built.
DA: You’ve expressed excitement about potentially returning for a prequel. What aspects of Lorraine’s early life would you love to explore?
ML: I’d love to see how it all began. I think it would be fascinating to see their rise from the beginning—their relationship and how they gained such traction.
DA: How did your previous acting experiences, like “Juniper” or “Green and Gold,” prepare you for this horror role?
ML: I think every film gives you tools for the future or teaches you things to let go of. The repetition and hours spent on set make you better, smarter and more in tune with how the whole moviemaking machine works.
DA: After seeing the final cut at the screening event, what was your favorite moment in “The Conjuring: Last Rites” that you’re most proud of?
ML: I think we were really able to capture and pay homage to what fans have come to love about “The Conjuring,” and I hope that comes through for audiences.
Photography Lens By Mi
Styling Kimberly Goodnight
Hair, Makeup and Grooming Faye Lauren at Tracey Mattingly Agency using Charlotte Tilbury and Oribe