Final Destination Bloodlines Directors Break World Record for Oldest Person Set on Fire
The sixth film in the iconic horror franchise, Final Destination Bloodlines, has pushed the limits further than ever to stand out among its killer predecessors. According to Entertainment Weekly, the film’s directors, Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein, claim to have set a world record for "the oldest person ever on fire, on camera" with a stunt featuring 71-year-old stunt performer and actor, Yvette Ferguson.
As reported by Entertainment Weekly, Ferguson, who came out of retirement to play Mrs. Fuller in the film, was lit on fire in a scene that takes place in a swanky, scenic restaurant atop the fictional 400-foot-tall Skyview Tower. The scene, which occurs during the film’s towering opening sequence, shows Mrs. Fuller catching fire inside the restaurant before the tower goes down. Lipovsky told Entertainment Weekly that they "lit so many different people on fire, including breaking the world record for oldest person on fire with Yvette Ferguson, who did that full body burn in the silver dress." He added that Ferguson was "the oldest person ever on fire, on camera."
Ferguson’s record-breaking stunt was part of a larger sequence that the directors estimate took about half of the film’s entire shoot to capture. The set, which was built from scratch, was incredibly elaborate and featured a 100-foot-diameter restaurant, a custom volume, and a massive amount of fireproofing. As Entertainment Weekly reported, Lipovsky explained that "the set was incredibly elaborate… it was actually probably seven different sets with all the different pieces. The main set, though, was incredibly huge, and we always laughed because it cost more than the first film we made."
The film’s star, Brec Bassinger, who plays Iris, recalled to Entertainment Weekly that she was on set when Ferguson’s stunt was filmed, saying, "Oh, I was on set when they lit her on fire! I was within her vicinity. God, it was beautiful. Everyone started clapping…She was so pumped." Bassinger’s costar, Richard Harmon, who plays Erik, also spoke to Entertainment Weekly about his experience filming a memorable scene in which his character is strung up by his nose ring.
Harmon told Entertainment Weekly that the scene, which features a chain wrapped around a fan that pulls him up by his nose, was filmed with a magnetic release that would unhook if too much pressure was applied. However, for some takes, Harmon asked the directors to remove the safety feature, saying, "At one point, we were like, listen, why don’t we just put the real thing in and do it if we really want to stretch the nose? And we did, and it looks great."
The dedication to gruesome details that makes the Final Destination franchise so unique and popular was evident in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. Lipovsky noted that "one of the special things about Final Destination that I don’t think really exists anywhere else is that you get that scale… You get that disaster movie Hollywood feeling, but at an extremely R-rated tone, which is very rare."
Final Destination Bloodlines hits theaters on May 16. The film’s commitment to practical effects and elaborate stunts is sure to thrill fans of the horror franchise. As Entertainment Weekly reported, the film’s directors and cast members are excited to bring this new installment to audiences, with Lipovsky saying, "It was really cool to play with achieving both of those things at the same time."
The film’s use of practical effects and elaborate stunts is a testament to the dedication of the cast and crew. According to Entertainment Weekly, the film’s stunt team reached out to Guinness World Records to officially submit Ferguson’s feat for consideration, although they have not yet heard back.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Stein explained that the idea behind the heart-pounding sequence started with a simple, relatable fear. "We’re always looking for things that can happen in your everyday life that we can ruin," he said with a laugh. "So, fear of heights seemed like a really fun thing to play with and start as a foundation."
The film’s cast, including Bassinger and Harmon, also spoke to Entertainment Weekly about their experiences filming the movie. Bassinger recalled that the risk of literally falling during one scene "honestly, helped with acting because at some point, I wasn’t even acting." Harmon added that the scene in which his character is strung up by his nose ring was "a first for me. I won’t say that I hope it’s the last, but I don’t foresee being asked to do that again anytime in the future."
Overall, Final Destination Bloodlines promises to be a thrilling addition to the horror franchise, with its elaborate stunts, practical effects, and commitment to gruesome details. As Entertainment Weekly reported, the film’s directors and cast members are excited to bring this new installment to audiences, and fans of the franchise are sure to be thrilled.
