| “ | Diabolical forces are formidable. These forces are eternal, and they exist today. The fairy tale is true. The devil exists. God exists. And for us, as people, our very destiny hinges upon which one we elect to follow. | ” |
| — Ed Warren in The Conjuring | ||
Edward Warren is a main character in The Conjuring, The Conjuring 2, Annabelle Comes Home, and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. He is portrayed by Patrick Wilson. He is married to Lorraine, with whom he has a daughter named Judy.
Ed Warren's Role in the Movie
The Conjuring
Introduction to Ed Warren
Ed Warren is introduced as a calm, knowledgeable, and steadfast investigator deeply committed to helping families plagued by paranormal forces. Alongside his clairvoyant wife Lorraine, Ed brings years of expertise in dealing with malevolent entities. They are approached by Carolyn Perron, who desperately seeks their help after a series of horrifying events unfold at the Perron family's farmhouse.
Ed Warren's Investigation of the Perron House
Ed and Lorraine first visit the Perron household to conduct an initial investigation. Ed takes a practical approach, setting up equipment and inspecting the physical aspects of the home. He explains to the Perron family that the house may require an exorcism but emphasizes that they need evidence to obtain approval from the Catholic Church.
While Lorraine uses her clairvoyant abilities to sense the malevolent spirit Bathsheba, Ed provides technical expertise. He sets up cameras and recording devices to capture any supernatural occurrences. His dedication is evident as he reassures Roger Perron at breakfast, acknowledging the emotional toll such investigations take, particularly on Lorraine.
Climactic Confrontation with Bathsheba
During the final act, Ed demonstrates immense bravery and resourcefulness when Carolyn becomes possessed by Bathsheba and attempts to harm her daughter. With no priest available, Ed decides to perform the exorcism himself. He recites the rites, commanding the demon to release Carolyn while the others physically restrain her.
Ed's determination and faith are tested when Carolyn's chair flips over, leaving her suspended upside down. He persists, urging the demon to leave her body. When Carolyn escapes to chase her daughter April, Ed, alongside Lorraine and Roger, follows her into the cellar. Ed's leadership and quick thinking play a critical role in subduing Bathsheba's hold over Carolyn.
Ed Warren at the End of the Movie
After successfully exorcising Bathsheba from Carolyn, Ed helps the Perron family recover. The Warrens return home, bringing with them an artifact from the Perron house—a music box that becomes part of their collection of possessed objects. In a chilling final scene, Ed places the music box on a shelf in their artifact room. As the music box begins to play on its own, Ed quietly exits the room with Lorraine, signifying that their work is never truly finished.
The Conjuring 2
Introduction to Ed Warren
Ed Warren is introduced in the infamous Amityville home, sitting with Lorraine and the Lutz family. As Lorraine conducts a séance, Ed supports her while documenting the events. When Lorraine experiences a terrifying vision involving a demonic nun and a man’s death, Ed intervenes, pulling her out of the vision and comforting her.
Ed's Involvement in the Hodgson Case
Ed and Lorraine initially appear reluctant to take on the Hodgson case due to Lorraine’s vision of Ed’s death. However, after listening to recordings of the haunting, Ed believes they must intervene. Upon arriving in Enfield, Ed displays kindness and resourcefulness, comforting the Hodgson family and attempting to investigate the entity. He provides emotional support to the children, plays Elvis's "Can't Help Falling in Love With You" to uplift their spirits, and gains their trust.
Ed’s skepticism emerges briefly when evidence surfaces suggesting Janet may be faking the events. Yet, he maintains a protective and determined demeanor, further exploring clues to uncover the truth.
Ed's Climactic Role
During the film’s climax, Ed risks his life to save Janet from jumping onto a sharp tree stem after being manipulated by the demonic force. He battles physical danger, including temporary blindness from steam and attacks by The Crooked Man. Despite these challenges, Ed’s primary focus remains protecting Janet, holding onto her as the curtains threaten to give way. Ultimately, he relies on Lorraine’s intervention to banish the demon Valak, ensuring Janet’s safety.
Ed Warren at the End of the Movie
In the film's resolution, Ed is shown returning home with Lorraine. He places a Crooked Man turntable in their museum alongside other artifacts from past cases. In a tender moment, he and Lorraine share a dance to the tune of "Can't Help Falling in Love With You," symbolizing their enduring love and partnership.
Biography
Childhood
Edward "Ed" Warren grew up a mostly normal child, but under his strict and (possibly) abusive father. During his childhood, Ed was attacked by a supernatural entity under his bed. Though he tried to tell his father, his father did not believe him and told him to face his fears. Ed took his father's advice, and scared the entity off with a crucifix.
Teenagers Years
During his teenage years, Ed got a job as an usher at a movie theater. There he met Lorraine, and on their first date, Ed took Lorraine to a park near the theater. It began raining, and the two took shelter in a gazebo, where they fell in love with each other. They were later married. Together, they began a crusade to help others dealing with the paranormal, becoming paranormal investigators and demonologists. They opened the Warren's Occult Museum, a sealed-off area of their house where they stored cursed, possessed, and ritualistic objects so that they could never be used to do harm again. They investigated hundreds of cases, and eventually had a daughter named Judy. Sometime during this period, they had their first encounter with a certain demon that would prove to be their worst enemy: a demonic nun that shows Lorraine a vision of Ed's gruesome death, which frightens Lorraine so much she locks herself away for eight days afterwards.
Real Life
Ed was an American paranormal investigator and author associated with prominent cases of hauntings. He was a World War II United States Navy veteran and former police officer who became a self-taught and self-professed demonologist, author and lecturer.
In 1952, he, along with his wife Lorraine, founded the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR). It is the oldest ghost hunting group in New England, and claim to have investigated over 100,000 claims of hauntings and other paranormal activity. According to their claims, the NESPR use a variety of different volunteers, such as medical doctors, researchers, police officers, nurses, college students, and even members of the clergy in their investigations.
Relationships
- Lorraine Warren - Wife
- Judy Warren - Daughter
Quotes
To be added
