Matt Rife is pivoting to the paranormal, at least when it comes to his new pad. The stand-up comedian has bought the former house of Ed and Lorraine Warren, the ghost hunters who inspired the couple played byPatrick WilsonandVera FarmigainThe Conjuringfranchise. "I have officially purchased Ed and Lorraine Warren's home and Occult Museum," Rifewrote on Instagramon Friday, noting that he has become "the legal guardian, for at least the next five years, of the entire haunted collection, including THE ANNABELLE DOLL." In a separatevideo on TikTok, Rife explained the significance of his decision. "This might be the most important and prominent piece of paranormal history in the world," he said. "I know a lot of you guys don't know what any of this means whatsoever, but if you follow ghost stuff, this is as big as it gets." Michael Tackett/ Warner Bros The comedian also clarified that while he does own the physical house, he does not own its various curios. "We are the legal guardians and caretakers of all 750 haunted artifacts and items in the Warren Museum, including the Annabelle doll," he said. "We do not legally own the items, but we are the legal guardians and caretakers of the items for at least the next five years." Rife obtained Annabelle shortly after Dan Rivera, an investigator for the New England Society for Psychic Research,died suddenlywhile showcasing the infamous Raggedy Ann doll in July. The NESPR, which the Warrens founded,claimsthat the doll was at one point attached to "an inhuman demonic spirit." Matt Rife/ Instagram Annabelle inspired the opening scene ofThe Conjuringin 2013, and eventually launched a trilogy of spinoff films: 2014'sAnnabelle, 2017'sAnnabelle: Creation, and 2019'sAnnabelle Comes Home, the last of which took place exclusively in the Warrens' oddity-filled family residence. Rife said his affection for theConjuringmovies inspired his massive purchase. "If you know me, you know I'm obsessed with the paranormal and all things haunted," he wrote on Instagram. "You also may know theConjuringfilms are my favorite scary movies of all time. So I'm incredibly honored to have taken over one of the most prominent properties in paranormal history." Russell McPhedran/Fairfax Media via Getty The comedian went on to claim that the Warrens "arguably put demonology and paranormal into the mainstream" and noted that they "are the very heart of some of the most famous haunted stories of all time," includingThe ConjuringandThe Amityville Horror. Rife also explained that he and his friend Elton Castee, who is taking on the venture with him, intend to ensure that the Warrens' property will still host visitors. "We plan to open the house for overnight stays and museum tours, so you yourself can experience and learn all the haunted history surrounding this amazing place," he wrote. Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection Want more movie news? Sign up forEntertainment Weekly's free newsletterto get the latest trailers, celebrity interviews, film reviews, and more. In his TikTok, Rife acknowledged the potential supernatural risk he took by purchasing the house. "This is the most random hobby ever, but it's so f---ing cool, man," he said. "I should probably collect stamps or something — might be a little safer." The fictional version of the Warrens will return to the big screen inThe Conjuring: Last Rites, which Farmiga recentlytoldEntertainment Weeklywill be her final outing in the series. "It is the end of the road. It's got to be the end of the road," she said. "I would literally explode on camera. WhatLast Ritesdemanded of us physically, emotionally, mentally, stamina-wise... It's been a long haul, man. It's been a really, really long haul, but it's time." The Conjuring: Last Riteshits theaters Sept. 5. Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly
