HOLLYWOOD, May 9, 2025 – The announcement of Warner Bros.’ remake of The Conjuring trilogy has stirred intense controversy, and Patrick Wilson, who portrayed Ed Warren in the original films, has added fuel to the fire. In a recent interview on The Horror Podcast, Wilson criticized the studio’s decision to cast Jonathan Majors, a Black actor, as Ed Warren, labeling the move as “woke” and questioning its fidelity to the real-life figure. The remake, set to reimagine the 2013 horror classic with Majors and Lori Harvey as Ed and Lorraine Warren, has already sparked heated debates on social media, and Wilson’s comments have further polarized fans of the beloved franchise.
Wilson, who played Ed Warren across the main Conjuring films and spinoffs like Annabelle Comes Home, expressed frustration over the casting choice, arguing that it deviates from historical accuracy. “Ed and Lorraine were real people, and I spent years studying Ed’s mannerisms, his faith, his life,” Wilson said. “Casting a Black actor feels like a woke agenda that ignores who they were. It’s not about Majors’ talent—it’s about respecting the truth.” His use of the term “woke” has drawn sharp reactions, with some fans on X echoing his sentiments, while others accuse him of insensitivity. One post read, “Wilson’s right—why change Ed’s race? It’s disrespectful to the Warrens’ legacy.” Another countered, “Calling it ‘woke’ is lazy. Majors could bring something new to the role.”
The remake, slated to begin production in late 2025 with a Halloween 2026 release, will revisit the Perron family haunting of 1971, with James Wan returning as a producer. Warner Bros. has defended the casting of Majors and Harvey, emphasizing a “modernized” approach to appeal to contemporary audiences. Majors, fresh off roles in Lovecraft Country and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, has been praised by producers for his intensity, while Harvey, a relative newcomer, faces scrutiny for her limited acting experience. The studio’s push for diversity has been both lauded and criticized, with some seeing it as a bold step and others as a publicity stunt.
Wilson’s comments have reignited discussions about race and representation in Hollywood. The real-life Ed and Lorraine Warren, who died in 2006 and 2019 respectively, were Caucasian, and their story has been central to The Conjuring’s success, which grossed over $319 million worldwide for the first film alone. Critics of the remake argue that altering their racial identities undermines the authenticity of a story billed as “based on true events.” A trending X hashtag, #ConjuringRemake, features posts like, “Why rewrite history? Ed and Lorraine weren’t Black. This is pandering.” Meanwhile, supporters argue that casting Majors and Harvey reflects the industry’s evolving landscape, with one user writing, “The Warrens’ story isn’t about race. Majors and Harvey can tell it just as powerfully.”
The backlash against Wilson’s remarks has been swift, with some labeling them as racially charged. A Reddit thread on r/horror questioned his choice of words, with a user commenting, “Wilson’s ‘woke’ jab feels out of touch. He’s dismissing a casting choice without giving it a chance.” Others defend his perspective, citing his deep connection to the role after portraying Ed in four films. Wilson’s collaboration with Vera Farmiga, who played Lorraine, was a cornerstone of the franchise’s emotional depth, and his attachment to the character is evident. In a 2021 interview with ComicBook, he spoke fondly of crafting Ed’s persona, saying, “I’ve built my own version of him in my head.”
Warner Bros. has remained silent on Wilson’s criticism, but insiders suggest the studio anticipated pushback. The decision to cast Majors and Harvey aligns with broader industry trends toward inclusive storytelling, yet it risks alienating fans loyal to the original. The controversy echoes past debates, such as the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot, where diverse casting sparked similar divides. On X, the hashtag #BlackfaceWarren has surfaced, though it misrepresents the issue, as Majors’ casting is not blackface but a reimagining of a historical figure.
As The Conjuring remake moves forward, the spotlight remains on whether Majors and Harvey can deliver performances that transcend the controversy. Wilson’s outspoken stance has complicated his legacy as Ed Warren, with some fans now questioning his views on diversity. The debate underscores the challenges of remaking a culturally significant franchise in an era of heightened social awareness. Will the remake honor the Warrens’ story, or will it become a lightning rod for division? The horror community awaits with bated breath.
