“In death, there are no accidents, no coincidences, no mishaps, and no escapes,” says William Bludworth (played by Tony Todd) in the first “Final Destination” film. Twenty five years later and four movies in between, yet another of death’s victims seeks to break out of the reaper’s clutches in the new “Final Destination Bloodlines.”
The latest entry in the “Final Destination” franchise explores what happens when a target of death escapes and lives a long and full life. The answer? They never truly break free of death’s hold. Not only are they still its target, but their family too becomes caught in the crossfire. Why? Because they were never meant to exist to begin with.
Attempting to escape their grim fate and protect their family are siblings Stefani and Charlie, played by part-Filipino actors Kaitlyn Santa Juana and Teo Briones, respectively. Here, we learn more about the new faces of the “Final Destination” franchise.
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Kaitlyn started her acting career in 2016
A Canadian of Filipino and Czech/Slovak descent, Santa Juana’s filmography began in 2016 when she appeared in an episode of “STI,” an anthology series following the experiences of various individuals afflicted with STIs. She also appeared in a pandemic-time short film, “Thespians,” in 2021, as well as in two episodes of the eighth season of “The Flash.”
Kaitlyn was part of the Canadian and Broadway productions of “Dear Evan Hansen”
In 2019, Santa Juana served as the understudy for the roles of Zoe Murphy and Alana Beck for the Canadian production of “Dear Evan Hansen.” Within the same year, she became the understudy for the same roles in the iconic musical’s Broadway production.
@apopofficial Halo Halo was my first bicep workout 😆 Happy AANHPI Heritage Month! Let’s celebrate with a good watch (@Final Destination Bloodlines) and some good food! 🎤: @Rajen #finaldestination #finaldestinationbloodlines #thisorthat #filipinofood #filipino #asianfood #asian #kaitlynsantajuana @Kaitlyn Santa Juana #aapi #aapimonth #aanhpi #aanhpimonth #apahm ♬ original sound – A*Pop
Teo comes from a family of actors and performers
At 20 years old, Briones has already been in the industry for 15 years. And while his young career can be chalked up to a child star’s early success, it seems he’s not the only one with acting chops in the family.
His father JonJon played the Engineer in the West End revival of “Miss Saigon,” and is also known for TV work including “Ratched” and the Emmy-winning “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.” His mother Megan is an actress and singer who’s part of a retro vocal trio called The Harmony Dolls. Meanwhile, his elder sister Isa is also an actress with appearances on shows such as “The Pitt,” “Goosebumps,” and “Star Trek: Picard.”
Teo’s (onscreen) father was the lead star of the first “Final Destination” film
Briones, who’s been in shows such as “Parks and Recreation,” “Pretty Little Liars,” and “Ratched,” was also part of the 2021 “Chucky” TV series. Devon Sawa, the lead star of the first “Final Destination” movie, played Briones’ father in the show’s first season.
“Devon was the first person I texted when I got the part,” says Briones. They met up a few months later and, he says, “Devon regaled me with all kinds of stories that made me realize the ride I was in for. He told me that being a part of a death is a long and arduous process. The days are long and brutal, but they’re fun, and he told me I was in for an awesome journey that I was never going to forget.”
@apopofficial What about Adobo AND Halo Halo for every meal?? Happy AANHPI Heritage Month! Let’s celebrate with a good watch (@Final Destination Bloodlines) and some good food! 😋 🎤: @Rajen #finaldestination #finaldestinationbloodlines #thisorthat #filipinofood #filipino #asianfood #asian #teobriones #aapi #aapimonth #aanhpi #aanhpimonth #apahm ♬ original sound – A*Pop
Teo and Kaitlyn love Filipino food
During their promotions for “Final Destination Bloodlines,” Santa Juana and Briones played ‘This or That: Filipino Food’ for A*Pop. Santa Juana’s last dish standing was sinigang, while Briones believes he can eat adobo for every meal.
Joining Santa Juana and Briones in the cast of “Final Destination Bloodlines” are Richard Harmon, Owen Patrick Joyner, Anna Lore, Rya Kihlstedt, Brec Bassinger, and Tony Todd.
The film is directed by Adam Stein and Zach Lipovsky, with a screenplay by Guy Busick and Lori Evans Taylor. The story is by Jon Watts, Guy Busick, and Lori Evans Taylor, based on characters created by Jeffrey Reddick.
“Final Destination Bloodlines” is now showing in cinemas nationwide.
