Final Destination Directors Land Next Project with Spielberg at Universal

Directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein are in talks to helm a new thriller for Universal Pictures. The project, titled Long Lost, is being produced by Amblin Entertainment and Steven Spielberg. This move follows their major box office success with Final Destination: Bloodlines earlier this year.

The film is based on a Colin Bannon short story and script. Sources describe the plot as a mix of What Lies Beneath and Rosemary’s Baby.

A High-Profile Bidding War Winner

Universal secured the Long Lost project in a significant bidding war back in 2024. The film centers on a woman whose life is upended when her husband’s long-lost wife suddenly reappears. This high-concept premise attracted major industry players.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the producing team is top-tier. Steven Spielberg, Simon Kinberg, and Audrey Chon are all attached to produce. The involvement of such seasoned filmmakers signals strong confidence in the material and the directors.

From Cult Hit to In-Demand Filmmakers

Lipovsky and Stein’s career trajectory showcases a rapid rise. Their 2018 indie film Freaks gained a cult following and put them on the map. However, the commercial and critical success of Final Destination: Bloodlines truly transformed their status in Hollywood.

The directors now have their pick of major projects. They are also writing the new Gremlins movie for Warner Bros. with Chris Columbus, who will direct. Their ability to move between major franchises and original thrillers demonstrates their versatility.

This new project solidifies Lipovsky and Stein as major directorial talents to watch. The combination of their vision with Spielberg’s backing makes Long Lost one of the most anticipated new films in development.

Info at your fingertips

What is the plot of the Long Lost film?

The story involves a woman facing a crisis when her husband’s former wife, long believed to be gone, unexpectedly returns. The thriller is described as a psychological suspense story reminiscent of classic films in the genre.

Who is producing the movie alongside Steven Spielberg?

Simon Kinberg and Audrey Chon are also producing the film. The project is set up at Universal with Amblin Entertainment.

What other project are the directors working on?

Lipovsky and Stein are writing the script for the new *Gremlins* movie at Warner Bros. Chris Columbus is set to direct that film, which has a scheduled 2027 release.

What was the directors’ previous major success?

They directed *Final Destination: Bloodlines*, which became the highest-grossing film in the franchise. Its success made them highly sought-after for new projects.

Who wrote the Long Lost script?

Colin Bannon penned the screenplay, which is based on his own original short story. He was also the writer who created the underlying concept.