Directors of the upcoming horror film Final Destination Bloodlines claim they achieved a world record by setting the oldest person on fire on camera. Stunt performer Yvette Ferguson, 71, came out of retirement for the scene in the franchise's sixth installment.
The filmmakers, Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein, stated that Ferguson performed a full body burn while wearing a silver dress for the film's opening sequence. They have submitted the feat to Guinness World Records for official consideration but have not yet received confirmation.
Ferguson portrays Mrs. Fuller, a character involved in the deadly initial premonition sequence. The scene is set in the 1960s within a fictional Skyview Tower, a tall restaurant structure featuring glass floors and panoramic views. The premonition shows the building collapsing and catching fire.
Actor Brec Bassinger, who plays Iris in the film, described being on set during the stunt. Richard Harmon, another cast member, detailed performing a scene where his character Erik is suspended by his nose ring over fire. Harmon noted the use of a magnetic release for safety, but stated he opted for a regular chain for some close-up shots to achieve a realistic effect.
The film, Final Destination Bloodlines, aims to escalate the series' trademark elaborate death sequences. Directors Lipovsky and Stein discussed the extensive work behind the Skyview Tower scene, including constructing multiple sets and using practical effects for fire and collapse sequences. They built a large, fireproof set that cost more than the first film in the series.
The Final Destination franchise is known for combining disaster movie scale with graphic R-rated violence. The directors highlighted their approach to depicting character deaths without cutting away.
The cast also includes Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Teo Briones, Owen Patrick Joyner, Anna Lore, and Tony Todd. The screenplay was written by Guy Busick, Lori Evans Taylor, and Jon Watts.
Final Destination Bloodlines is scheduled for release in theaters on May 16.
Harmon stated of his stunt, "It 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."
