Final Destination 7 Finds New Director, Michiel Blanchart

LOS ANGELES, CA — Belgian filmmaker Michiel Blanchart is in talks to direct the next installment of New Line Cinema‘s horror franchise, Final Destination 7. Although sources indicate that a formal offer has not been made, Blanchart emerged as the top candidate after a brief but intense search.

The announcement comes off the heels of the franchise’s recent success, with Final Destination: Bloodlines opening at No. 1 worldwide, grossing over $314.6 million, and earning rave reviews. The film was co-directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein, who have chosen not to return for the next installment. Lori Evans Taylor, who co-wrote Bloodlines, will pen the script for the new feature.

Final Destination has become a notable franchise in horror cinema, grossing over $1 billion globally since its inception in 2000. Its unique premise involves characters who have premonitions of disasters, ultimately cheating death only to be hunted down one by one.

Blanchart’s previous works include the action thriller Night Call, which received critical acclaim in Belgium. The film won 10 out of 11 nominations at the Magritte Awards earlier this year, and his short film You’re Dead, Hélène was shortlisted for the 2023 Oscars Best Live-Action Short Film category.

Producers for the new installment include Craig Perry, Sheila Hanahan Taylor, Jon Watts, Dianne McGunigle, and Toby Emmerich, with Warren Zide serving as executive producer. No release date or cast information for Final Destination 7 has been announced yet.

The next chapter in the franchise promises to bring a fresh perspective while honoring the formula that has made it a mainstay in horror film history.