Final Destination: Bloodlines isn’t just another entry in the long-running horror franchise—it’s a full-circle moment that gives fans what they've been waiting for. And with the late Tony Todd returning one last time as William Bludworth, the new film doesn’t just rely on gore and creative deaths. It finally digs into the one character who’s haunted the series with his presence—and his silence.

This is the final theatrical appearance for Tony Todd’s iconic role

Todd’s return as Bludworth in Bloodlines is more than a nostalgic callback. It’s a send-off for an actor who defined the tone of the franchise’s most enigmatic figure. Todd, who passed away in November 2024, filmed his scenes for Bloodlines with a clear understanding of what his character means to the series—and to the fans.

In an exclusive behind-the-scenes featurette from PEOPLE, Todd reflects on Bludworth’s journey. “The more you do a character, the more you understand it,” he says. And that understanding shines through in Bloodlines, where Bludworth isn’t just a grim narrator of fate—but an active player in the deadly cycle.

Bloodlines finally reveals who Bludworth really is

For more than two decades, fans have speculated about Bludworth’s nature. Is he human? Supernatural? An agent of Death itself? The filmmakers behind Bloodlines kept the mystery alive by design. But in this latest installment, they’ve chosen to answer the questions instead of dodging them.

“We’ve always avoided answering the question because it's nice to keep it a mystery,” says producer Craig Perry. “But we heard the fans. In this movie, we answer those questions.”

And answer them they do. Without spoiling too much, Bloodlines offers a backstory for Bludworth that ties him directly to the origin of the Final Destination universe. It explains his knowledge, his motives, and why he appears just when people think they might have a chance to cheat Death.

The plot ties back to the very beginning of the franchise

Final Destination: Bloodlines doesn’t just bring Bludworth back—it takes the whole franchise back to square one. The plot follows college student Stefanie, who is haunted by a recurring nightmare. She returns home hoping to find someone who can break the cycle—only to discover that escaping Death’s plan is more impossible than ever.

Stefanie’s journey is filled with the kind of elaborate, grisly deaths fans expect from the series. But Bloodlines spices things up by linking her story to Bludworth’s origin—and to the very roots of Death’s twisted sense of justice.

The marketing campaign matched the film’s blood-soaked energy

Warner Bros. didn’t hold back in promoting Bloodlines. Horror lovers in Ontario and Quebec were treated to a real-life blood-splattered logging truck, echoing one of the franchise’s most iconic death scenes. The truck prowled highways and downtowns, offering ticket QR codes and photo ops that let fans step into the carnage.

It was a smart move for a film that relies heavily on practical thrills and audience engagement. And it seems to be working. Bloodlines is tracking toward the biggest opening in the franchise’s history—thanks in part to the hype generated by this immersive promo and the emotional weight of Todd’s involvement.

This could be the summer horror hit no one expected

Final Destination: Bloodlines has all the ingredients for a surprise box office hit. The trailer was the second-most-watched horror trailer ever in its first 24 hours, only behind 2017’s It. The fan base is strong, the nostalgia is real, and the gap of 14 years since the last theatrical release in the series has only increased craving.

With Jon Watts (Spider-Man trilogy) producing and coining the original story, and a script by Guy Busick and Lori Evans Taylor, Bloodlines isn’t just relying on gore—it’s delivering a story. One that ties a loose fandom thread into a tight, bloody bow.

Final thoughts: A fitting send-off and a new beginning

Final Destination: Bloodlines doesn’t just bring back Tony Todd—it lets him have the final word. And that word matters. William Bludworth’s presence in the film is more than atmospheric. It’s essential. It grounds the chaos in a mythology that fans now fully understand.

Whether Bloodlines sparks a new wave of sequels or stands alone as a finale, it’s clear that the creators wanted to give the franchise—and Tony Todd—the respect they deserve. For a series built on the idea of inevitability, that kind of closure is rare. But welcome.

Final Destination: Bloodlines hits theaters May 16, 2025. If you’re a fan of the franchise, or just love horror with a bit of legacy attached, this one’s not to miss.