Final Destination Franchise Continues with Michiel Blanchart as Director

New Line Cinema has chosen a director for its next Final Destination film. Belgian filmmaker Michiel Blanchart will helm the project. This marks his first major English-language feature.

The move follows the massive success of this year’s franchise entry. The studio is moving quickly to capitalize on the renewed audience interest.

Blanchart’s Rise to a Major Franchise

Blanchart emerged as the top choice this week. The search was brief but highly competitive. He is known for his inventive genre work.

His Oscar-shortlisted short film, ‘You’re Dead, Hélène,’ showcased his talent. It blended horror with dark comedy effectively. That project is now being adapted by Tri-Star with Sam Raimi producing.

His feature debut, ‘Night Call,’ was a critical triumph. It won ten Magritte Awards in Belgium. The film demonstrated his skill with tense, action-driven storytelling.

The Franchise’s Powerful Return

The previous film, ‘Final Destination: Bloodlines,’ was a global hit. It earned over $314 million at the worldwide box office. According to Reuters, this made it the highest-grossing entry in the series.

The film achieved the best opening weekend for the franchise. It has yet to even open in Japan. The strong performance guaranteed a new sequel.

The core production team is returning for this installment. This includes producer Craig Perry and writer Lori Evans Taylor. Their involvement ensures continuity for the fan-favorite series.

A Horror Staple Continues

The Final Destination concept has proven incredibly durable. It revolves around characters cheating death. Death then stalks the survivors in creative, gruesome ways.

The entire franchise has earned over $1 billion globally. It is New Line’s third-biggest horror property. Only the Conjuring and It franchises have performed better for the studio.

This new chapter aims to continue that legacy. Bringing in a fresh directorial voice is a key part of the strategy. The goal is to deliver the scares audiences expect while introducing new stylistic elements.

The announcement of Michiel Blanchart as the Final Destination 7 director signals an exciting new chapter for the long-running series. His unique vision is expected to bring a fresh wave of terror to the iconic franchise.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is directing the new Final Destination movie?

Belgian filmmaker Michiel Blanchart is directing the new film. This will be his first English-language feature. He is known for his award-winning work on ‘Night Call’.

When will Final Destination 7 be released?

An official release date has not been announced yet. Production is still in the early stages. News is expected to follow as development progresses.

Is this a sequel to Bloodlines?

Yes, this is the next installment in the main series. It follows the 2024 film ‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’. The same core creative producers are involved.

Who is writing the script?

Lori Evans Taylor is penning the screenplay. She co-wrote the previous film, ‘Bloodlines’. Her return helps maintain consistency in the franchise’s tone.

Why was Michiel Blanchart chosen?

Blanchart was selected for his fresh directorial vision. His acclaimed short film and feature demonstrated a strong genre sensibility. The studio believes he can bring a new energy to the series.