The Shocking Reason Why One Conjuring Universe Character Was Excluded from The Nun 2

Warning: SPOILERS lie ahead for The Nun II!

Summary

In The Nun II, Director Michael Chaves contemplated the idea of resurrecting Father Burke as a zombie, but ultimately chose not to pursue it. This decision to exclude Burke from the sequel provided the opportunity to shift attention towards introducing new characters and presenting an invigorating narrative.

Valak assuming the form of Burke would have been inconsistent with Irene's character development and emotional journey in the sequel.

Despite playing a significant role in the previous film, director Michael Chaves has explained why Demián Bichir's Father Burke did not return for The Nun II. The latest installment in The Conjuring Universe features the return of the terrifying demon Valak, who embarks on a rampage of killing priests and nuns across Europe in search of a mysterious and powerful artifact. Taissa Farmiga reprises her role as the lead in The Nun II, alongside franchise veteran Bonnie Aarons as the titular entity. However, fans of the Conjuring Universe have noticed the absence of a particular character in the story.

In a recent interview with Collider, Michael Chaves discussed The Nun II and addressed the absence of Bichir's Father Burke in the sequel. The director shared that he had pitched several ideas for the character's return, one of which involved turning him into a zombie. However, Chaves admitted to dismissing this concept early on in the movie's development. He explained that while the idea was considered, the focus was on creating a thrilling and intense experience for the audience, with Valak unleashing all its scares on the characters. Bringing back Father Burke solely as a zombie may not have served that purpose.

Would The Nun 2 Have Been Better With Father Burke?

In The Nun II, it is revealed that Father Burke, played by Bichir, passed away four years after the events of the previous film in 2018. He died from cholera after being promoted to the position of a bishop, following his successful efforts with Irene to stop Valak's actions at the Romanian monastery. With Burke no longer present, Irene teams up with Sister Debra, a young noviciate, to investigate Valak's killings and find solace in her faith, similar to Burke's journey in the previous movie.

While it is possible for Burke to return in the sequel and join Irene and Debra on their new mission, it raises the question of whether his presence would enhance the movie. The Nun provided closure for both Burke and Irene, with Irene committing to becoming a nun before facing Valak and Burke finding redemption by defeating the powerful demon after his failed exorcism of a young boy.

Given Valak's ability to take on the form of someone's greatest fear, it would not have been suitable for Burke to be included in The Nun II to haunt Irene, considering how emotionally significant he is to her. Furthermore, in the sequel, Farmiga's character has the opportunity for more character development through her family background and assumes the role of a mentor in Burke's absence. Bichir's absence is likely seen as advantageous for the Conjuring Universe sequel, as it allows for new and immersive storytelling instead of awkward or lackluster expansions of existing characters.