Warner Bros. has officially set a release date for the next film in the beloved horror series, Final Destination. Titled Final Destination: Bloodlines, this anticipated new installment is scheduled to hit theaters on May 16, 2025. As the sole major studio release on that day, it has high expectations riding on it. Directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, the film promises to maintain its secretive edge, with details closely held prior to its debut. Past successes in May, particularly with horror films like A Quiet Place II, indicate a ripe opportunity for this franchise to capture the audience’s imagination once more.
With the screenplay penned by Guy Busick and Lori Evans Taylor, it comes from a storyline conceived by Jon Watts based on characters created by Jeffrey Reddick. This combination of seasoned writers and directors brings credibility and promise to the project, generating excitement among fans. The cast includes a mix of rising stars and seasoned actors, featuring Brec Bassinger, Teo Briones, and Richard Harmon, among others. Their performances will be crucial in revitalizing the franchise and ensuring the new film resonates with both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
In contrast to the thrills offered by Final Destination, Warner Bros. is also venturing into the realm of animated family fare with the live-action hybrid film Animal Friends, previously developed under Sony. Scheduled for release on October 10, 2025, this film contrasts sharply with its horror counterpart, showcasing the studio’s versatility. Starring a star-studded cast including Ryan Reynolds and Jason Momoa, Animal Friends aims to blend humor and heart in a road adventure setting.
Directed by Peter Atencio, the film’s script by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider promises fun for all ages and stands to directly compete with Disney’s Tron: Ares during its release weekend. The choice to release Animal Friends in the fall aligns with the success of previous R-rated comedies like Zombieland, indicating a strategic decision by Warner Bros. to capitalize on a market that thrives during this time of year.
On a different note, Warner Bros. has decided to shift the release of Flowervale Street, directed by David Robert Mitchell, from its original slot on May 16, 2025, to a later date of March 13, 2026. This film, featuring notable performances from Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor, is expected to be a significant player in the 2026 box office landscape, akin to past Warner Bros. features like Dune: Part Two and The Batman. Moving it to mid-March positions it as a potential tentpole film, which Warner is clearly doubling down on.
With production support from notable names like J.J. Abrams and an impressive cast, Flowervale Street promises to be a captivating addition to the studio’s lineup. As it now faces competition from Blumhouse/Universal’s untitled Exorcist sequel, the timing of this strategic release adjustment reflects the studio’s confidence in the film’s potential impact in a crowded market.
Warner Bros. is gearing up for a significant cinematic period, with diverse offerings that cater to both horror enthusiasts and family audiences. Whether through fear or laughter, the studio is set to deliver memorable experiences in theaters in the coming years.