Everything You Need To Know About The Nun II (2024)

Following a five year eagerly anticipated wait, the sequel to 2018’s The Nun is finally approaching its release. Thanks to the overwhelming success of The Conjuring franchise, numerous spine-tingling tales within its universe have emerged with The Nun II taking the pew as the latest addition. As audiences brace themselves to face the demonic presence of Valak once more, JustWatch has got you covered on any questions you may have about this unholy cinematic creation.

Here is a no nun-sense recap on everything you need to know about The Nun II before heading to the theater.

What is The Nun II About?

The events of the first film showcased Sister Irene’s incredible bravery as she fearlessly delved into the investigation of the malevolent entity, Valak, at a haunted Romanian monastery. Now, driven by her unwavering determination, she embarks on a new quest to confront the very same demon once again.

Set four years after the events of the first film, in the year 1956, her journey takes her to France where she uncovers the tragic tale of a murdered priest. Sister Irene readies herself to once again face Valak, an unholy nun who preys upon the vulnerable and instills fear by seizing control of their very beings. Her paramount mission is to safeguard those who stand at perilous risk of falling victim to this maleficent force, an evil she has witnessed firsthand.

The conclusion of the first Nun film also unveiled the startling truth that her friend Frenchie, whose real name is Maurice, had fallen under the possession of Valak. This haunting incident of Maurice’s exorcism was documented in a video showcased during Ed and Lorraine Warren's seminars held two decades later. This very exorcism was the catalyst for Lorraine's distressing visions which kickstarted The Conjuring Universe.

Who Stars in The Nun II?

There are a number of familiar faces from the first film returning for the sequel. Most notably, Taissa Farmiga returns as Sister Irene alongside Bonnie Aarons as Valak/The Nun. Aarons has portrayed the terrifying entity in four films beginning with 2016’s The Conjuring 2. Farmiga’s sister Vera famously portrayed Lorraine Warren in The Conjuring trilogy and 2019’s Annabelle Comes Home. Jonas Bloquet also returns to his role as Frenchie/Maurice.

Euphoria’s Storm Reid joins the sequel in an undisclosed role alongside Anna Popplewell who portrays Kate and Katelyn Rose Downey as Sophie.

Is The Nun II Part of The Conjuring?

The Nun II is the ninth entry into The Conjuring Universe. It serves as a direct sequel to 2018’s The Nun which focused on the origins of Valak.

The timeline of The Conjuring spans from 1952 - 1981 beginning with The Nun and continuing through to Annabelle: Creation, The Nun II, Annabelle, The Conjuring, Annabelle Comes Home, The Curse of La Llorona, The Conjuring 2 and presently concluding with The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It.

Does Annabelle Have Any Connections With The Nun?

The infamous Annabelle doll was introduced at the very beginning of the first Conjuring film, captivating audiences with her eerie presence and unsettling appearance as the pigtailed girl.

While the nun and Annabelle do not physically appear in each other's films, there is a post-credit scene in Annabelle: Creation that hints at Valak's standalone film. This sequence showcases a dim hallway within an ancient cathedral. As the demon who resembles Valak walks closer, the candles along the hallway extinguish one by one, creating an eerie atmosphere. The scene concludes with darkness before the credits roll.

Is The Nun II Based On A True Story?

Although learning that a horror film draws inspiration from a real-life event may heighten the film's intensity, it's important to note that The Nun II is a work of fiction and not based on true events. While The Conjuring is rooted in the experiences of real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, The Nun ultimately explored the origins of the fictional entity that tormented Lorraine in The Conjuring 2.

However, it is worth mentioning that Valak does have a place in mythology. Various grimoires, which are books of magic detailing the conjuration of demons, mention Valak. Interestingly, the filmmakers took artistic liberty in portraying Valak as a nun, as the traditional description portrays the demon as a child with angel wings, riding a two-headed dragon.

The Nun II will be released in theaters on September 8, 2023.