‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’ Called Best Entry Yet by Early Reactions

After “Sinners,” and “Minecraft,” it sure looks like Warner Bros. might have another hit in their hands.

It’s been 14 long years since death last came calling in Final Destination, but with ‘Bloodlines,’ the franchise is officially back—and if early reactions are anything to go by, it’s going to be the best instalment of the franchise.

Now, I always tell readers to take early reactions with a major grain of salt, but two major factors are currently benefiting ‘Bloodlines’ 1) it’s tested through the roof at screenings and 2) these early reactions are coming in from actual critics.

The sixth installment in the long-running horror saga introduces a new generation of unlucky souls, as a college student finds himself trapped in the franchise’s signature kill-or-be-killed death loop. And while the film doesn’t hit theaters until next month, a handful of lucky viewers have already gotten a sneak peek—and they’re all raving.

One major emotional highlight? Tony Todd’s final performance as the ominous William Bludworth. Hunter Bolding of That Hashtag Show called his return “deeply moving,” especially in light of the actor’s passing last year. “The kills are gloriously inventive,” Bolding added, “and the concept still proves it has plenty of life left—ironically.”

The film stars Brec Bassinger, Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Teo Briones, Richard Harmon, Anna Lore, Owen Patrick Joyner, Max Lloyd-Jones, Rya Kihlstedt, and Tinpo Lee alongside Todd in his final role.

Internal tracking has had this one opening in the $40M range, but I believe with this kind of buzz, it’s going to hit the $50M mark, if not more. Pam Abdy and Michael De Luca, what a comeback story.

“Final Destination: Bloodlines” hits theaters in the US on May 16. They’re showing it, in select theaters, in 4DX which is basically a an amusement park ride, kind of perfect for this type of film.