Final Destination 7 Revs Up with Bloodlines Writer Returning as New Line Doubles Down on Hit Franchise

The Grim Reaper’s appointment book is filling up again. Following the massive success of 2024’s Final Destination: Bloodlines, New Line Cinema is fast-tracking Final Destination 7, bringing back key creative talent to orchestrate Death’s next elaborate chain of catastrophes. THR reports that Lori Evans Taylor, co-writer of the record-breaking Bloodlines, has been tapped to pen the script for the next gruesome installment.

Bloodlines revitalized the long-running horror franchise spectacularly, becoming the highest-grossing entry globally with $286 million and earning the series’ best critical reception. Taylor co-wrote the hit alongside Guy Busick (Scream 2022) from a story developed with Jon Watts (Spider-Man: No Way Home). Franchise stalwart Craig Perry returns to produce alongside Shelia Hanahan Taylor, Watts, Dianne McGunigle, and Toby Emmerich. This swift move signals New Line’s confidence in the team’s ability to deliver another fresh, terrifying take on Death’s inescapable design.

What Can Fans Expect from Final Destination 7’s Story?

While plot details for Final Destination 7 remain tightly under wraps, the trajectory set by Bloodlines offers strong clues. That film ingeniously expanded the franchise lore by delving into the origins of Death’s complex patterns. Its official synopsis teased: “The newest chapter… takes audiences back to the very beginning of Death’s twisted sense of justice. Plagued by a violent recurring nightmare, college student Stefanie heads home to track down the one person who might be able to break the cycle and save her family from the grisly demise that inevitably awaits them all.” This focus on legacy, family curses, and potentially deeper mythology around defeating Death’s plan provides fertile ground for Taylor to explore in the sequel. Expect intricate, Rube Goldberg-esque death sequences alongside heightened emotional stakes and potentially new rules in the deadly game.

Building on Bloodlines’ Record-Breaking Success

The decision to bring back Lori Evans Taylor is a direct response to Bloodlines‘ unprecedented performance. Directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein, the film proved the 23-year-old franchise still has potent box office appeal and creative vitality. Its success stemmed from:

• Fresh Lore: Introducing the concept of “Bloodlines” – families historically targeted by Death across generations.
• Elevated Kills: Delivering some of the franchise’s most inventive and brutal death sequences.
• Nostalgia Done Right: Featuring a poignant send-off for franchise icon Tony Todd (William Bludworth), whose presence will be missed in FD7.

Critical response was largely positive. Tyler Nichols noted in his review, “This boasts some absolutely incredible kills, with some of them being the best of the franchise… Yes, I know, a bold claim. But I stand by it.” While acknowledging some narrative stumbles, the overall reception confirmed audiences craved the series’ signature blend of tension and outrageous fatal creativity.

The challenge for Final Destination 7 is clear: innovate within the established formula. Can it introduce new twists on Death’s design while maintaining the visceral, suspenseful spectacle fans demand? Early signs are promising with the core creative team reassembling.

Must Know

Who is writing Final Destination 7?
Lori Evans Taylor, co-writer of the highly successful Final Destination: Bloodlines (2024), has been hired by New Line Cinema to write the screenplay for Final Destination 7. She collaborated with Guy Busick and Jon Watts on the previous film’s story.

Will Tony Todd be in Final Destination 7?
No. The late Tony Todd, who played the iconic mortician William Bludworth in multiple franchise entries, received a fitting send-off in Final Destination: Bloodlines. His character will not appear in Final Destination 7.

Why is New Line making Final Destination 7 so quickly?
The decision follows the massive box office success of Final Destination: Bloodlines, which earned $286 million globally – making it the highest-grossing film in the franchise. Its strong critical reception also demonstrated significant audience appetite for more.

What was the plot of Final Destination: Bloodlines?
Bloodlines explored the origins of Death’s patterns, focusing on a college student, Stefanie, plagued by nightmares. She returns home to find someone who might break a generational curse targeting her family, delving into the “bloodlines” concept as the root of Death’s focus.

When will Final Destination 7 be released?
An official release date for Final Destination 7 has not been announced by New Line Cinema. The project is in the early script development phase.

Who is producing Final Destination 7?
Longtime franchise producer Craig Perry returns. He is joined by Shelia Hanahan Taylor, Jon Watts (who co-developed the Bloodlines story), Dianne McGunigle, and Toby Emmerich.

The body count resets, but the anticipation soars. Final Destination 7 marks a decisive continuation for a franchise freshly proven to be in its prime. With Lori Evans Taylor translating Bloodlines‘ winning formula into a new script and the core creative team reassembled, Death’s next intricate tapestry promises another global spectacle of suspense and shocking demises. Share your wildest hopes for the film’s deadly set pieces below!