The trailer of Final Destination Bloodlines, the sixth installment in the cult horror franchise, was officially released on March 25, 2025, teasing the eerie return of fate’s deadly design. Directed by Adam Stein and Zach Lipovsky, the film introduces a fresh set of characters who are once again caught in a chilling web of unavoidable doom.

Set for international release on May 14, followed by its US premiere on May 16, the upcoming chapter promises a modernized yet nostalgic dose of thrills for long-time fans.

Trailer offers callbacks to iconic franchise moments

The trailer begins innocuously with a family barbecue setup in a peaceful garden. However, things quickly spiral into chaos. From shattered glass to misplaced Legos and a hidden rake under a trampoline, viewers are offered a familiar slow build of impending disaster. The horror is compounded in another tense sequence where two characters narrowly escape a highway collision—a scene clearly reminiscent of the unforgettable pile-up in Final Destination 2.

A haunting nightmare fuels the plot

As per the official synopsis, the story revolves around college student Stefanie, who is tormented by a recurring nightmare. Driven by desperation, she returns home in search of the one person who might help end the deadly cycle threatening her family.

The cast includes Richard Harmon, Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Teo Briones, Owen Patrick Joyner, Rya Kihlstedt, Anna Lore, and Brec Bassinger, all set to face the grim reaper’s wrath in unique and terrifying ways.

Final appearance of Tony Todd as William Bludworth

One of the most emotional highlights of Final Destination Bloodlines is the return of Tony Todd, known for his enigmatic portrayal of William Bludworth. This marks the late actor’s final appearance in the series, a nod to his iconic presence in previous installments.

The screenplay is penned by Guy Busick and Lori Evans Taylor, with production handled by Craig Perry, Sheila Hanahan Taylor, Jon Watts, Dianne McGunigle, and Toby Emmerich.

Tamil actor Manoj Bharathiraja, son of acclaimed filmmaker Bharathiraja, died of a cardiac arrest on Tuesday in Chennai. He was 48. The news of his demise was confirmed by the Nadigar Sangam (actors’ association), which expressed condolences on social media.

Manoj, who made his debut in Tamil cinema with Taj Mahal, a film directed by his father, went on to act in films like Eera Nilam and Varushamellam Vasantham. In recent years, he had taken on supporting roles, appearing in various Tamil films. His final acting role was in Snakes & Ladders, streamed on Prime Video.

In 2023, Manoj ventured into direction with Margazhi Thingal, a romantic drama featuring his father, Bharathiraja. The film marked a turning point in his career, showcasing his evolving creative vision.

Prominent personalities from across Tamil Nadu expressed their grief over his untimely death. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, music maestro Ilaiyaraaja, actor-politician Khushbu Sundar, director Venkat Prabhu, and political leaders including AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami, Tamil Maanila Congress President G K Vasan, and Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai offered their condolences.

Khushbu Sundar shared an emotional tribute on social media, stating, “Extremely shocked to hear that Manoj is not among us anymore… May God give strength to his father Thiru Bharathiraja and his family to overcome this unbearable, painful loss.”

Manoj is survived by his wife, actor Nandana, and their two daughters, Arshitha and Mathivadhani. His death marks a significant loss to the Tamil film industry, where he was admired for his artistic contributions and family legacy.

India has strongly dismissed a U.S. government report alleging deteriorating religious freedoms in the country, calling it a “misrepresentation” aimed at tarnishing its global reputation.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded sharply to the annual report by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which recommended designating India as a “country of particular concern” and imposing sanctions on its intelligence agency, R&AW.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal rejected the USCIRF findings, stating that the report selectively highlights isolated incidents while ignoring India’s pluralistic ethos. “The USCIRF’s persistent attempts to misrepresent India’s multicultural society reflect a deliberate agenda rather than genuine concern for religious freedom,” he said. “India, with its 1.4 billion people representing all major religions, thrives on harmonious coexistence. We have no expectation that USCIRF will acknowledge this reality.”

The USCIRF report, released on March 25, alleged rising discrimination and violence against religious minorities in 2024, citing hate speech, anti-conversion laws, and policies like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). It also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of propagating “hateful rhetoric” against Muslims during the 2024 election campaign, referencing Modi’s past remarks labeling Muslims as “infiltrators.”

The report further recommended sanctions against R&AW over alleged involvement in assassination plots targeting Sikh separatists abroad—a claim India has repeatedly denied. The issue has strained U.S.- India relations since 2023, particularly after the U.S. charged an ex-Indian intelligence officer in a foiled assassination plot. India maintains that Sikh separatists pose security threats but denies extrajudicial actions.

Analysts note that while USCIRF’s recommendations are non-binding, the report adds to the growing scrutiny of India’s human rights record. However, Washington’s strategic focus on countering China’s influence in Asia makes punitive action unlikely.

Rights groups have flagged concerns over India’s revocation of Kashmir’s autonomy, mosque demolitions, and laws critics say marginalize Muslims. The Modi government denies discrimination, pointing to welfare schemes benefiting all communities.

The USCIRF also criticized Vietnam for tightening control over religious groups, recommending similar “country of particular concern” status. Vietnam’s new decree allows authorities to demand financial records from religious organizations and suspend activities for vaguely defined violations.

New Delhi has long dismissed USCIRF reports as “deeply biased,” asserting that India’s constitutional safeguards ensure equality for all faiths. The MEA’s rebuttal underscores its stance that external assessments overlook ground realities of interfaith harmony.