The next chapter in the iconic ‘Final Destination’ series has secured a director as Belgian filmmaker Michiel Blanchart is set to helm the project. This upcoming film will follow ‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’ and marks Blanchart’s first foray into English-language cinema. Though no formal offer has been made yet, the director quickly emerged as a leading choice amid a competitive selection process.
Box Office Success of ‘Bloodlines’
‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’ achieved remarkable commercial success, opening as the number one film globally. It recorded the best opening weekend in the entire 25-year history of the franchise, amassing over $314.6 million worldwide. Of that total, $138.1 million was generated in domestic markets. Significantly, the film has yet to be released in Japan, indicating potential for even greater earnings.
Creative Team and Production Details
- Director: Michiel Blanchart
- Scriptwriter: Lori Evans Taylor (co-writer of ‘Bloodlines’)
- Producers: Craig Perry, Sheila Hanahan Taylor, Jon Watts, Dianne McGunigle
- Executive Producer: Warren Zide
The new installment will continue to explore the franchise’s unique premise, where characters experience premonitions of catastrophic events, narrowly escape death, only for fate to revisit them with a vengeance.
Franchise Background and Popularity
The ‘Final Destination’ series has garnered over $1 billion in total revenue, positioning it as New Line Cinema’s third-largest horror franchise. It trails only behind the ‘Conjuring Universe,’ which has grossed approximately $2.73 billion, and the ‘It’ films, which totaled around $1.2 billion.
About Michiel Blanchart
Despite having only one feature film credit, Michiel Blanchart has made a remarkable impact in the film industry. His short film ‘You’re Dead, Hélène’ was nominated for the Best Live-Action Short Film category at the 2023 Oscars. It tells a unique love story involving a man trying to end a relationship with a ghost.
Blanchart’s directorial debut with ‘Night Call’ has received significant acclaim, including 10 wins out of 11 nominations at the prestigious Magritte Awards, including accolades for Best Film and Best Director. He is represented by WME and Ithaka Media.
As anticipation builds for this revitalized chapter of the beloved franchise, fans of horror and suspense should brace themselves for a thrilling new ride spearheaded by Michiel Blanchart.
