Bonnie Aarons is surprisingly most recognizable when she looks nothing like herself, considering that her most famous role is the demon nun Valak inThe Conjuring 2. OutsideThe Conjuringfranchise, Aarons has appeared in over 50 movies, including some unexpected ones. She briefly appears in the comedyShallow Hal, bothThe Princess Diariesmovies, starring Anne Hathaway, and the psychological dramaThe Silver Linings Playbook. Still, Aarons is best known for horror movies, includingDrag Me To HellandI Know Who Killed Me, andThe Conjuringfranchise made her a horror icon.
Valak “the Defiler” is first introduced inThe Conjuring 2, taking the form of the creepy entity known as the Crooked Man, as well as the white-faced, yellow-eyed nun.The ending ofThe Conjuring 2shows Vera Farmig’s Lorraine Warren sending Valak back to hell. Still, the demon nun image was so visually striking and popular with both critics and audiences that Valak was brought back in this form for two spinoff movies, which exploreValak’s backstoryand form prequels toThe Conjuring.
Bonnie Aarons Portrayal Of The Demon Valak Contributed To The Success Of The Conjuring
Valak’s Popularity Has Led To The Demon Being A Central Role In The Conjuring Franchise
The Conjuring 2is a rare sequel that performed almost as well as the original, and much of its success can be attributed to Aarons and her portrayal of Valak in its most commonly taken form: the nun.Director Michael Chaves praised Aarons’s “great scary energy"on set, noting that Aarons' appearance as the nun provoked a reaction in the cast members.The nun is one of the most iconic modern horror characters, with an instantly recognizable appearance and a feeling of unrelenting menace that madeThe Conjuring 2stand out against other sequels.
2013
86%
83%
2014
28%
35%
2016
80%
81%
2017
Yes (uncredited)
70%
68%
2018
24%
2019
64%
2021
55%
2023
52%
73%
Valak’s popularity led to the character being referenced inAnnabelle: Creationwith an additional nun-focused post-credits scene. The following Valak spinoff movie,The Nun, received mediocre reviews for its plot and predictability. However, the acting was praised, as was the terror that Valak in its demon nun guise still inspired. Hinting that Valak would be the main antagonist in the entire series bylinkingThe Nundirectly toThe Conjuringwas an unexpected twist, confirming thatValak is central to theConjuringfranchise. ThoughValak’s nun form barely appears inThe Nun 2, the iconic image is unforgettable.
Bonnie Aaron’s Role In The Princess Diaries Shows She’s More Than Just A Horror Icon
The Next Conjuring Franchise Chapters May Include Valak
Aarons plays Baroness Joy Von Troken inThe Princess Diaries, who would have become queen if Mia Thermopolis, played by Anne Hathaway, had refused the throne. Von Troken is an antagonist and an exaggerated ‘evil queen’ caricature, buther glamorous appearance is the opposite of the terrifying Valak. AsThe Princess Diariesis a comedy, the role allows Aarons to show she can inspire more than just terror. Aarons brings a similar glamor to her small role in the psychological thrillerI Know Who Killed Me, and plays a military general in the horror-comedyDahmer vs Gacy.
Every Demon & Evil Spirit In The Conjuring Movie Franchise
The Conjuring movies are filled with creative spirits and demons that often steal the show, but certain creatures leave more of an impression.
Obviously, there’s no expectation for her comedic chops inThe Princess Diariesto ever shine through inThe Conjuringmovies, regardless of what may or may not come next for Aarons and Valak. ThoughThe Conjuring 4will be the last movie in the main franchise, aConjuringTV series has been approved, which will continue the story. The mid-credits scene atthe ending ofThe Nun 2brings back the Warrens, tyingThe Nunspinoffs more closely to the main storyline, which leaves a possibility for the demon to return in the nextConjuringmovie, or even the following TV series. If this happens, Aarons can be counted on to deliver another terrifying performance.
The Princess Diaries
Cast
The Princess Diaries follows Mia Thermopolis, a teenager who discovers she is the heir to the throne of a European kingdom. The film explores her journey from an ordinary student to embracing her royal heritage, confronting the challenges and transformations this revelation brings to her life.
