Character Identity in The Nun
The primary antagonist in The Nun is a demonic entity known as Valak, portrayed as a sinister nun in the film. The character draws on the lore of the demon Valac, also spelled Valak, which appears in the Ars Goetia and other demonological texts. In The Nun, the character is referred to simply as "the Nun" or "Valak," and the film does not give the demon a human birth name. The role was played by actress Bonnie Aarons, who became widely recognized for the performance. The character reappears in The Nun II, maintaining the same name and backstory within the Conjuring universe.
The demonic nun is depicted as the "Queen of Hell" in the film's lore, a high-ranking entity that haunts the cloister in Romania. The character's visual design, including the black habit and distorted face, was created by makeup artist Bill Corso and director Michael Chaves. Valak's presence in The Nun connects the film to the broader The Conjuring Universe, which includes The Conjuring, Annabelle, and The Devil Made Me Do It. The character's origins are tied to the 1952 events at the Cârța Monastery in Romania, as presented in the film.
Actress and Performance
Bonnie Aarons portrayed the demonic nun Valak in both The Nun and The Nun II. Aarons is an American actress known for roles in horror and thriller films, and her performance as Valak became one of the most iconic horror characters of the 2010s. The character's unsettling appearance and silent, menacing presence were achieved through heavy prosthetics and practical effects. Aarons did not speak in the role, relying on physical acting and facial expressions to convey the demon's malice.
The casting of Bonnie Aarons as Valak was confirmed by Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema during the production of The Nun. The film's director, Corin Hardy, worked closely with Aarons to develop the character's movements and demeanor, drawing inspiration from classic horror iconography. Aarons reprised the role in The Nun II, which was released in 2023 and continued the character's storyline in the Conjuring Universe. The performance has been widely cited in discussions of the most memorable horror villains in recent cinema.
Connections to the Conjuring Universe
Valak the Nun is part of the Conjuring Universe, a shared horror franchise that began with The Conjuring in 2013. The character first appeared in The Conjuring 2 before receiving a standalone film in The Nun. The Nun connects to the broader franchise through its setting in Romania and its ties to the Warrens' case files. The character's role as the "Queen of Hell" positions Valak as one of the most powerful entities in the Conjuring Universe lore.
The Nun and The Nun II are set within the timeline of the Conjuring Universe, with the events of The Nun taking place in 1952. The character of Valak links the film to other entries in the franchise, including The Conjuring and Annabelle: Creation. The Nun II, released in 2023, expanded on Valak's backstory and continued the character's conflict with the Warrens. The franchise, produced by New Line Cinema and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, remains one of the highest-grossing horror series in film history.