“Final Destination: Bloodlines,” which premiered in theaters last month, marks the highly anticipated return of the iconic horror series.

In the latest “Why to Watch” feature from JustWatch, star Brec Bassinger and co-director Zach Lipovsky offer exclusive insight into what makes this “Final Destination” chapter a standout and a must-see for horror fans.

Brec Bassinger, best known for her roles in “Stargirl” and “47 Meters Down: Uncaged,” says this installment takes the franchise’s signature chaos to the next level.

“‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’ feels so big and intricate. I had no idea how we were gonna film it, but I was excited,” Bassinger shared. “This movie is all about shock value. If you want to be on the edge of your seat (and who doesn’t want that?), then this is a movie that’ll definitely satisfy that craving.”

Known for its inventive kills and eerie sense of inevitability, “Final Destination” has built a legacy on tension and unpredictability. “Bloodlines” honors that legacy while delivering a fresh spin for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Director Zach Lipovsky, who co-helmed the film with Adam B. Stein, emphasized the importance of staying true to the franchise while offering new twists and surprises.

“As fans ourselves, we wanted to make sure that ‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’ was an incredibly good movie for fans, but in a way that still allowed them to not know what was going to happen next,” Lipovsky explained. “We wanted to freshen things up so fans would have that experience of being right on the edge of their seats, along with newcomers.”

Lipovsky, known for his work on “Leprechaun: Origins,” “Dead Rising: Watchtower,” and the critically acclaimed “Freaks,” brings a sharp eye and deep appreciation for genre storytelling to this latest installment.

After a 14-year hiatus, “Final Destination” is officially back, and the latest installment is proving that fans were more than ready for death to come calling again, as the film has quickly shattered box office records to become the highest-grossing entry in the long-running horror franchise.

The previous record holder, 2009’s “The Final Destination,” topped out at a global total of $187 million. But “Bloodlines” has blown past that figure in just two and a half weeks after its release, pulling in over $230 million worldwide, an impressive feat for a series that hasn’t released a new chapter in over a decade.

“Final Destination: Bloodlines” introduces a fresh cast and storyline, centering on college student Stefanie, who is haunted by a recurring nightmare. As the visions grow more intense, she returns home in a desperate attempt to find the one person who may be able to help her stop the cycle and prevent her family from meeting a gruesome fate.

The film features a mix of rising stars and familiar faces, including Brec Bassinger, Richard Harmon, Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Teo Briones, Anna Lore, and Owen Patrick Joyner.

It also marks the return of the late, great Tony Todd, whose ominous presence has become synonymous with the franchise.

“Zach [Lipovsky] and Adam [Stein], our directors, they made a very shrewd decision to take the last couple of lines that were scripted and say, ‘Tony, just say what you would want to say to the fans. What would you like to impart to them in this moment?'” Craig Perry, franchise producer, said to Deadline. “So, everything that makes that scene so emotional is authentic because that was just Tony talking through the camera to the very fans who supported him for so many years. So, it was a very magical moment on set. It was an impactful moment, and it’s one I’ll take with me until I go to the grave.”

Rounding out the cast are Rya Kihlstedt, Max Lloyd-Jones, Andrew Tinpo Lee, April Amber Telek, and Alex Zahara.

With a fresh cast, high-stakes setups, and a return to practical effects and psychological tension, “Final Destination: Bloodlines” is shaping up to be a worthy addition to the franchise.

Bassinger’s performance, paired with Lipovsky and Stein’s direction, redefines what it means to cheat death in 2025.