"Final Destination is director Gilbert.'s continued exploration in the thriller-horror genre, pioneering a new approach distinct from typical American horror films." — The Hollywood Reporter
"Touchstone Pictures' decision to snag Gilbert. from Universal has proven wise, with the film raking in an impressive $11.376 million in its opening weekend." — Variety
"Through the invisible presence of Death, the film crafts a series of seemingly accidental fatalities, keeping audiences on edge. Director Gilbert. is a master at tapping into the audience's psyche, knowing exactly what they crave. The main cast shines, with standout performances from Matt Damon and Cameron Diaz, both delivering commendable work." — Movie
After pulling in $2.896 million on its opening day, Final Destination kept the momentum going, earning $4.632 million on Saturday and $3.848 million on Sunday. With no major competition that week, the film easily claimed the top spot at the North American box office.
This marked Gilbert.'s second weekend box office win, following Shark Beach's earlier triumph. The success had Touchstone Pictures buzzing with excitement.
As the new week began, Robert Iger was busy working with theater chains to boost Final Destination's screenings. "Tim, is there anything hotter than Final Destination right now? I'm not trying to put you on the spot, but sticking to the contract shouldn't ruffle any feathers," he said over the phone. Hanging up with a smile, he turned to the distribution head, "Several chains agreed to add more screenings and expand the release."
Distribution head Renault Lynch nodded, as if it was a given. "With Final Destination performing this well, I'd be shocked if the theaters didn't budge."
"Absolutely," Robert Iger mused. "Snatching Gilbert. from Universal was the right call. He's delivered a real surprise."
Leaning in conspiratorially, Renault Lynch asked, "Bob, have you talked to Gilbert. about a sequel?"
"What do you mean?"
"I think Final Destination could be a franchise. If Gilbert. isn't up for a sequel, we can find another director to take it on," Renault suggested.
The idea sparked something in Robert Iger. "Once he wraps up the North American promo tour, I'll have a chat with him."
As the new week kicked off, Gilbert. hit the road with Matt Damon, Cameron Diaz, and other cast members for a nationwide promotional tour starting in Los Angeles. While Final Destination's roadshow wasn't as grand as those for major blockbusters, its high buzz and popularity made up for it. Each event drew crowds of 200–300 fans, giving Matt Damon and Cameron Diaz a taste of the star treatment.
Cameron Diaz, in particular, was riding high. A former model with no prior acting credits, she landed the lead role right out of the gate—a huge break. Her performance, coupled with her stunning looks, earned her plenty of praise. Thrilled by the taste of fame, she was endlessly grateful to Gilbert. for the opportunity and often clung to him, stirring up some playful mischief.
During the Chicago stop, Cameron Diaz boldly followed Gilbert. into a men's restroom, where they shared a thrilling "moment" amidst the comings and goings of other patrons. The excitement was undeniable, but when they emerged, Gilbert. couldn't shake the feeling that people were staring at them strangely. He wanted to crawl into a hole.
This wild, open lifestyle was exhilarating but almost too much for him. Seizing a moment, he confronted Cameron. "Was that on purpose?"
"On purpose?" Cameron licked her lips, leaning close to whisper seductively in his ear, "I'm not done yet. Want to go again?"
"Again?" Gilbert. playfully smacked her thigh.
Cameron yelped, her eyes welling up as she gave him a pitiful look. But Gilbert. knew she was a master at playing the part. Pulling her close, he ruffled her blonde hair. "No more stunts like that. What if someone saw us?"
"I'm not scared," Cameron said with a carefree shrug.
"Well, I am," Gilbert. shot back, narrowing his eyes. "I'm a possessive guy, and I don't want other men ogling my woman."
Cameron giggled, delighted by being called "his woman." "Don't worry, no one will see," she promised.
"Let's keep it that way," Gilbert. said, exasperated but helpless against her boldness. Maybe it was a cultural difference—what might be scandalous back home was just "freedom" here.
Perhaps the thigh-smack worked, as Cameron toned down her antics for the rest of the tour, keeping things less outrageous.
As the Final Destination crew continued their roadshow, the film's second weekend hauled in $8.938 million over three days, plus $17.849 million over the four weekdays, securing the box office crown again. Two weeks in, the film's total gross hit $29.225 million, leaving Disney ecstatic.
Internal analysts predicted the film could reach $60–70 million in North America. The higher the box office, the more Disney would profit. The studio was already tasking Touchstone Pictures with arranging international distribution.
Gilbert. was thrilled too. Crossing $50 million would trigger a 5% profit-sharing clause, and his 10% investment stake meant he'd get a nice cut. Most importantly, back-to-back hits with Shark Beach and Final Destination had cemented his reputation in Hollywood.
Film executives were lining up, with business cards flooding his agent, Sheena Boone. Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. were especially aggressive. Universal's VP, Lou Wassell, faced pressure from the board to win Gilbert. back, while Warner Bros.' CEO, a longtime admirer, sent his trusted associate Doug Walter to make contact. With his newfound clout, Gilbert. could negotiate better terms with any studio.
He'd earned his place in Hollywood. A project from him might not have Spielberg-level demand, but it was enough to make studios take notice. New directors and writers often struggle in Hollywood due to a lack of proven success, and even with Spielberg's endorsement, Universal had hesitated with Gilbert. initially. But two successful films erased those doubts. His scripts wouldn't be left to gather dust in a studio's vault anymore.
While busy with the promotional tour, Gilbert. spent evenings in his hotel room working. Fresh from a shower, Cameron Diaz wrapped her arms around his neck from behind. "What're you working on so late?"
"Planning a new script," Gilbert. replied, scribbling on paper.
Cameron was surprised. "Final Destination is still in theaters, and you're already onto the next project?"
Gilbert. set down his pen, leaning back into her warm embrace. "I'm not tired. When ideas hit, I've got to write them down."
"What's the new project called?" Cameron asked, curious.
Horror-thrillers weren't mainstream blockbusters, and after two horror films, Gilbert. was ready to pivot. "It's an action movie. How does Speed sound for a title?"
"Speed? That's a cool name…"