The bloodline was not the “Final Destination” after all. On August 8, New Line and Warner Bros. announced (via Variety) that “Final Destination 7” is officially in the works, complete with “Final Destination: Bloodlines” co-writer Lori Evans Taylor on board. Also returning are producers Craig Perry, Sheila Hanahan Taylor, Jon Watts, Dianne McGunigle, and Toby Emmerich. Warren Zide will serve as executive producer.
The news comes as the studio has yet another horror hit on their hands with “Weapons,” the latest from “Barbarian” director Zach Cregger. In its opening weekend, “Weapons” amassed an estimated $42.5 million at the domestic box office, an impressive debut for a movie that cost $38 million. Similarly, “Bloodlines” opened to $51.7 million in May off a $50 million budget. As of August 10, that movie has gone on to tally over $138 million in North America and $285 million worldwide, bringing in a gigantic franchise haul for the New Line devision of Warner Bros.
These horror hits also fall right in line with New Line’s history. It was, after all, once a fledgling studio that finally — after years of modest success — made it to the big time with Freddie Kruger and “A Nightmare on Elm Street” back in 1984. In recent years, additional horror franchises have added to the division’s terrifying reputation, including “The Conjuring” and “It” series.
The original “Final Destination” — released in 2000 — was a big hit for New Line in the days before its folding into Warner Bros., grossing $112 million worldwide against a $23 million budget. The four sequels released between the first entry and “Bloodlines” performed similarly, though there was a long 14-year-gap after “Final Destination 5.”
The release and success of the latest “Destination” is not only a spotlight on New Line, but on the massive millennial nostalgia wave that has defined the summer of 2025. While, interestingly, the performance of the more Gen X-coded “I Know What You Did Last Summer” fell relatively flat (though it’s done OK), any and all things geared toward millennials has been met with some praise, either from critics or audiences or both. Just this weekend, “Freakier Friday” — a sequel to the key 2003 millennial comedy “Freaky Friday” starring key millennial figurehead Lindsay Lohan — also raked in millions.
Though “The Naked Gun” might be considered more of a boomer sensation, its success, too, could be tied to the franchise’s frequent play on cable television in the ’90s and ’00s — when most millennials discovered it, as well as the generation’s love of “Baywatch” actress Pamela Anderson and “Taken” icon Liam Neeson.
More and more millennial favorites are expected for returns in the year to come, too, including “The Devil Wears Prada 2” (which reportedly will have scenes of people walking across streets in fabulous outfits), as well as “Practical Magic 2,” another generational cable-staple turned fan favorite. Of course, 2024 also saw 30- and 40-somethings help power “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” to box office success.
Horror flicks are often a safe investment, and we’ve had more than our fair share recently that have borrowed on nostalgia — including “Heart Eyes” and “The Monkey.” Clearly, at least in the case of “Final Destination,” are ready to enjoy more roller coaster rides (or maybe not) with familiar material.
