The Final Destination franchise has been on ice since 2011, but we learned last year that a new entry in the death-dealing horror was on the way. With Saw writers Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan on the script, it was immediately pegged as a reboot, but that may not be what’s really going on. Series creator Jeffrey Reddick and producer Craig Perry clear the air, while also teasing what could be a cool new angle to take the familiar plot.
For those who may have missed out on the whole Final Destination thing, it basically centers on a group of young people who are killed in elaborate, highly-ironic ways. The reason? They managed to escape death once, and now Death (yeah, like the embodiment of it) is manufacturing ways to kill them in the manner they were always meant to. It’s weird, and the franchise got weirder and more convoluted as it went along, but they were always fun flicks that did well at the box office. So it’s no surprise Perry is unwilling to label this new movie as a reboot. He tells Digital Spy…
“I’ve been talking to [producer] Craig [Perry], and the concept behind it is unique. I think reboot is probably too strong of a word, it makes it sound like they’re going to change everything, but it’s definitely a Final Destination movie. Craig is the master of coming up with crazy openings and set pieces. He’s told me a couple of things that happen in this one, and it’s going to be a lot of fun. It’s not going feel like cash-grab Final Destination film.”
As for what that unique concept might be, Perry says the story could follow first responders who deal with death every single day…
“We’re toying with having it take place in the world of first responders: EMTs, firemen, and police. These people deal with death on the front lines every day and make choices that can cause people to live or die. We rely on their good judgment, expertise, and calm demeanor. So why not put those people in the nightmare situation where every choice can bring about life and death – but now for themselves? We’re thinking that world might be an interesting way into a Final Destination movie, and one which can also generate unique set pieces in a very credible way.”
I love it, except that I don’t necessarily want to see the focus shift away from young people. Instead, mixing in a few seasoned adults to face Death’s wraith would change things up without moving away from a key aspect of the franchise’s success. These movies have always been great for introducing new stars and extending the careers of others (led, of course, by my girl Ali Larter who I’m petitioning for a comeback). That should remain intact.
