Final Destination Writers Regret: ‘We Blew It’ on Death Merch!

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As a movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that the chilling “Final Destination” franchise is making a comeback, with its sixth installment, “Bloodlines,” slated for release in 2025. This spine-tingling saga has etched an unforgettable mark in horror cinema history, thanks to its ingenious death scenes and singular concept.

Reminiscing about the series, one of the original screenwriters confessed a rather amusing oversight. It’s quite a laugh, I must say!

Glen Morgan, a producer and co-writer, shared insights on how he, director James Wong, and original writer Jeffrey Reddick resisted studio suggestions to make Death a tangible character. According to Morgan, interviewed by Empire Magazine via Comicbook.com, the team opted against a visible antagonist, instead preferring an intangible, menacing presence that executed deaths with chilling accuracy. This decision gave the movie its unique edge, but humorously, Morgan ponders why they might have missed out on millions by going this route.

Facing something that seemed like an embodiment of death itself, we found ourselves questioning how one could avoid or overcome such an entity. We proposed a solution by suggesting that death was merely a powerful force instead. To our shock, this idea was accepted by New Line Cinema. However, on every Halloween, I often reflect and lament, “We missed the opportunity!”, as there’s neither a costume nor a toy representing this concept.

Discussing irony here? The ingenious move to personify Death as an abstract concept significantly boosted the movie’s popularity, possibly sacrificing a fortune in merchandise sales. Regardless, this approach set Final Destination apart from other films dominated by masked killers and supernatural beings.

As a cinephile, I’ve noticed that these films have garnered acclaim not for who meets their end, but rather for the intricate, interconnected death sequences that transform ordinary situations into potential threats. However, I can see why the screenwriter might feel that a chance was missed. Legends like Freddy Krueger, Michael Myers, and Ghostface have been ruling the Halloween costume scene for years, while Final Destination didn’t provide fans with an iconic villain to connect with.

Originally, Jeffrey Reddick, the scriptwriter and co-story creator, aimed for a traditional horror format. But when Glen Morgan and James Wong got involved during the transition from television to film, the project transformed into something more intelligent and psychologically driven. Fans might still applaud this change, although it might mean that there will never be an action figure of Death alongside Chucky or Annabelle.

Dive into the thrilling world of the “Final Destination” series by streaming all five movies on Max. The basic plan, which includes ads, is $9.99 per month, offering you three tiers of service based on your subscription. Plus, save up to 20% when you prepay for a year! Check out this deal now.

Final Destination, whether featuring a masked antagonist or not, continues to garner significant praise and is often regarded as one of the finest horror films. Its influence on contemporary horror is evident, particularly in its parody and imitation. The intricate Rube Goldberg-esque death sequences are instantly recognizable, even without a conventional villain present. If the trailer for Bloodlines is any indication, we may witness unprecedented methods of demise that could surpass what’s previously been shown, and I am eagerly anticipating it. Frankly, I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes the best sequel in the series!

Looking forward to it, the eagerly awaited horror film titled “Final Destination: Bloodlines” is set to premiere on May 16th in theaters. With the resurgence of the series and all previous films now available for streaming with a Max subscription, Morgan, Wong, and Reddick who didn’t profit from merchandise earlier may be due for another financial boost.

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2025-04-12 23:38