IN CONVERSATION WITH BREC BASSINGER
interview by JANA LETONJA
Brec Bassinger will be starring in the latest installment of ‘Final Destination’ franchise, ‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’, coming to theaters on 16th May. She has previously starred in three seasons of the hit series ‘Stargirl’, as well as in ‘The Man in the White Van’ and ’47 Meters Down: Uncaged’.
‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’ is the first installment in the franchise in 14 years. What was it like stepping into such an iconic horror legacy?
‘Final Destination’ has left a lasting impact on so many people. I still can’t drive behind a log truck. Of course, it’s an honor to join such an iconic franchise, but one that’s scarred an entire generation? That kind of opportunity doesn’t come around often.
Can you tell us a bit about your character in the film and how she fits into the film’s world?
I play Iris Campbell. Iris has a premonition of a 500-foot tower restaurant collapsing, killing everyone inside. With this knowledge, she’s able to save them, but death always finds a way. She manages to avoid death for decades after the accident, but now, death is coming for her family. Hence the name, ‘Bloodlines’.
The ‘Final Destination’ franchise is known for its wild, inventive death scenes. Were there any moments on set that genuinely freaked you out?
People getting set on fire. Filming next to someone literally engulfed in flames was so intense, I didn’t even have to act.
What was your first reaction when you read the script? Did you instantly know you wanted to be part of this?
When I first read the script, all I could think was “How are we going to film this?” I’d never worked on something this grand, a 500ft tall restaurant collapsing disaster, and I was honestly pumped for the challenge. The moment I saw Adam was co-directing with Zach, I knew I had to be part of it. I’d worked with Adam years ago, and he was such a kind, collaborative director, I couldn’t wait to get back on set with him.
You had a star-making turn in ‘Stargirl’, leading a major superhero show for three seasons. How did that experience prepare you for this next phase in your career?
Leading a superhero show is not for the faint of heart. The hours were long, and the day-to-day always kept me on my toes. Some days I’d roll onto set, jump into stunt rehearsal, then head straight into a night shoot fight sequence. Other days, I was filming monologues next to Luke Wilson and Joel McHale. The range of work definitely trained me to roll with whatever came my way. ‘Stargirl’ had tons of action and stunts, which 100% came in handy for ‘Final Destination’. I’d spent so much time flying around on wires that when they asked if I was cool being 50 feet in the air, I was like “Sure, where’s my harness?”
You’ve been part of some really varied projects, from ‘47 Meters Down: Uncaged’ to ‘The Man in the White Van’. What usually draws you to a role?
Every project has its own lure for me. Sometimes it’s the story that pulls me in, other times it’s a character I’ve never played before that challenges my craft, and sometimes it’s the chance to work with a director or DP I really respect. Each project I take is its own unique experience.
Do you feel like there’s a genre you’ve yet to explore that you’re eager to dive into?
Comedy and horror are always so much fun, and I definitely see myself continuing to explore different areas in those genres. But I’d love to dive into more grounded dramatic work too. I’m also really excited to explore deeper character work, play someone so different from myself that everything about me has to change.
What’s been the most challenging role you’ve played so far, and what did it teach you?
For me, the most challenging role I’ve filmed so far was playing Dawn in the Lifetime limited series ‘Dawn’. I portrayed a character from the age of 16 in high school all the way to 35 with two kids. I’m not a mom, so tapping into experiences I haven’t had was a unique challenge for me.
As your career keeps gaining momentum, how do you stay grounded in your free time?
I spend a lot of time back home with my family. They’re incredibly supportive and always make me feel celebrated. The majority of the days though, we’re in our tiny town grilling out and playing Sequence or codenames, and during those times, Hollywood feels like a world away.
What can you share with us about your other upcoming projects, besides the ‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’
I recently wrapped filming on ‘Grizzly Night’, a movie based on a true story. Additionally, I’m excited to have two upcoming animated projects, which I’m really proud of and eager to share with you soon. I also just signed on to an exciting new project that begins production this month, and I’ll be able to share more details soon.
TEAM CREDITS:
photography MATALLANA
styling SARAH SLUTSKY Sarah Slutsky
hair and makeup CHELSEA GEHR
