Michiel Blanchart Takes the Helm as Director for the New Final Destination Movie

Final Destination Franchise Set for a Thrilling Comeback

Michiel Blanchart to Direct the New Final Destination Movie

The anticipated sequel in the acclaimed Final Destination movie series has found its new director. Emerging Belgian filmmaker Michiel Blanchart is poised to take the helm for New Line’s next installment. While an official offer remains pending, Blanchart surfaced as the top candidate after an intense selection process. His debut in English-language filmmaking is highly anticipated.

Record-Breaking Success for Final Destination: Bloodlines

The previous film, Final Destination: Bloodlines, topped box office charts globally and became the most successful entry in the 25-year-old franchise. Since its May release, it has earned over $314.6 million worldwide, with $138.1 million coming from the domestic market. Notably, the film is still pending release in Japan. Directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein, the worldwide success has set the stage for Blanchart to continue the legacy.

Revamping the Franchise with a Fresh Script

Lori Evans Taylor, who co-wrote Bloodlines with Gary Busick, is crafting the script for the latest chapter. Esteemed producer Craig Perry, together with veteran producer Sheila Hanahan Taylor, will continue to drive the project alongside Jon Watts, Dianne McGunigle, and Toby Emmerich. Executive production responsibilities fall to Warren Zide.

The Enduring Appeal of Final Destination

The Final Destination franchise has captivated audiences with its unique premise. Each film unfolds around a central character’s premonition of a disastrous event, allowing them to escape death, only for Death itself to catch up with the survivors. This compelling narrative has propelled the series to over $1 billion in earnings, ranking it as New Line’s third-largest horror franchise after the Conjuring Universe and the It films.

Michiel Blanchart: A Rising Star

Despite having only one feature film credit, Michiel Blanchart is far from inexperienced. His short film, You’re Dead, Hélène, was shortlisted for an Oscar in 2023, showcasing his knack for blending unique storytelling with captivating themes. This short is now being adapted into an English-language film, produced by renowned filmmaker Sam Raimi.

• Night Call (Le nuit se traine): Blanchart’s debut feature film, released in 2024, is an action-packed crime thriller praised for its gripping storytelling and reflective social commentary. The film garnered significant acclaim, sweeping the Magritte Awards with ten wins, including best film, best screenplay, and best director.

Represented by WME and Ithaka Media, Michiel Blanchart is set to inject fresh creativity into the cherished Final Destination series, promising to deliver thrill and intrigue to both long-time fans and new audiences alike.