That log truck scene still haunts you, doesn't it?

Do you have an irrational fear of logger trucks, or anxiety about flying? Have you ever wondered how the iconic opening scene of “Final Destination 2” was created to instill so much fear in viewers? Or the insider information about what it takes to make a horror franchise that flies under the radar to gross nearly $700 million at the global box office and become one of the most popular macabre movie franchises in the world? 

Local author and Philadelphia-area resident Padraic Maroney gives readers all that and more in his new book, “Escaping Death: The Unauthorized Story Behind the Final Destination Movies.”

Published by BearManor Media, the book release coincides with the 25th anniversary of the original movie and the debut of the sixth installment, “Final Destination: Bloodlines,” of the movie franchise, releasing in theaters on May 16.

    Padraic Maroney (Credit: Kelly Burkhardt)
  

Not all movies have lingering effects on audiences long after the credits roll, or turn seemingly innocent everyday items into weapons of death for 25 years.

“Every day, people now refer to could-be freak accidents as having a ‘Final Destination moment’ so I decided to write a book examining the franchise that started it all. The ”Final Destination” films are not just horror movies; they’ve traumatized an entire generation, and the franchise has crossed over into the collective pop culture consciousness,” said Maroney.

Maroney’s 422-page book delves into the franchise that uses ingenious, Rube Goldberg-inspired machinations that lead to deadly consequences and gleefully makes people fear the most mundane aspects of daily life, from highway driving to household chores. 

“Escaping Death” offers an insider’s view, taking readers behind-the-scenes to learn about the development and production of these movies. Told with the help of more than 50 exclusive interviews with cast members, producers and filmmakers, readers will gain insight into these innovative, suspenseful films that have been freaking out audiences for a quarter-century.

This isn’t the first foray into publishing for the Bucks County-raised Maroney. The 42-year-old said he’s always been a logophile – writing movie reviews and even launching his own gossip column for the “Bucks County Courier Times” while still in high school and interning at “Teen People.” He is also an award-winning marketer and author, having previously written “It All Began With a Scream,” about the making of the “Scream” movies. That book was released in conjunction with the franchise’s 25^th anniversary in 2021.

It took Maroney three years of research and interviews to complete the “Final Destination” book. 

“My aim is to celebrate the franchise, but also let people know what it was like to be on set through the stories from the people who were there. While the chances of these situations arising in real life are slim, it’s never zero. Many of the memorable moments from the franchise are inspired by true events,” he said.

“Escaping Death: The Unauthorized Story Behind the Final Destination Movies” is available to order now HERE and on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4WF45RP?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520

The book is the perfect way to prepare and catch up on the franchise before “Final Destination: Bloodlines” is unleashed in IMAX theaters.

View a sneak peek of the movie trailer for “Final Destination: Bloodlines” here.

About the Author
Padraic Maroney has been an entertainment writer for nearly 30 years. When not watching horror films or sitting in front of a computer, he attempts to play the drums and enjoys running to collect race medals. He claims that running the New York City Marathon in 2021 was scarier than any movie he’s ever seen. This year will also mark Maroney’s 10th Broad Street Run. He currently resides in Philadelphia’s Bella Vista neighborhood.