Thescreescore – Mia Tomlinson, the latest actress to don the mantle of Judy Warren in The Conjuring: Last Rites, discusses stepping into the shoes of a character previously portrayed by Sterling Jerins and McKenna Grace. This isn’t just a simple recasting; it’s a generational shift. With Judy now an adult, Tomlinson’s portrayal promises a fresh perspective on the Warren family saga. The actress, in an exclusive interview with thescreescore.com, reveals the unique challenges and opportunities this role presented.
Tomlinson readily admits the initial apprehension of following in the footsteps of two acclaimed child actors. "It’s always a bit apprehensive," she confessed, "picking it up from somebody else… I have absolute respect for their performances." However, the natural progression of Judy’s age provided a compelling justification for a new interpretation. Director Michael Chaves, returning from The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, empowered Tomlinson to create her own version of the character, fostering a creative space that allowed her to breathe life into the role.
A pivotal element in Tomlinson’s preparation was her direct interaction with the real Judy Warren. These conversations provided invaluable insights into Judy’s complex feelings about growing up in the shadow of her parents’ famous paranormal investigations. "She doesn’t want anything to do with it," Tomlinson shared, revealing Judy’s reluctance to engage with the supernatural world. This personal connection infused Tomlinson’s performance with an authenticity that transcends mere continuity with previous films.
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Tomlinson adopted a mantra from Judy herself: "Don’t look it in the eyes, don’t give it recognition." This became a guiding principle for her performance, a challenge for an actress known for her energetic personality. She skillfully channeled her own energy, bottling it up to embody Judy’s guarded nature, a quality also effectively portrayed by McKenna Grace in Annabelle Comes Home.
The Conjuring: Last Rites promises to expand Judy Warren’s role significantly. By portraying her as a grounded adult grappling with her family’s legacy, the film explores new narrative avenues while remaining true to the established Warren lore. Tomlinson’s performance, infused with authenticity derived from her conversations with the real Judy, bridges fact and fiction, giving Judy a more personal and compelling voice.
The recasting of Judy Warren is a calculated risk, but Tomlinson’s meticulous preparation and respect for her predecessors suggest a thoughtful approach. Her performance could elevate Judy to a central figure, potentially shifting the franchise’s focus beyond Ed and Lorraine, and exploring the enduring legacy of the Warren family. This could be the perfect culmination of the Conjuring saga, a fitting end to a long-running horror franchise.
Release Date: September 5, 2025
Runtime: 135 Minutes
Director: Michael Chaves
Writers: David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, Ian B. Goldberg, Richard Naing, Carey Hayes, Chad Hayes, James Wan
Producers: Peter Safran, James Wan
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