11 Reshoots That Actually Improved Movies

4. Final Destination

Mad Max Fury Road
New Line Cinema

The Reshoot: Two original endings were screened for test audiences, both of which saw protagonist Alex die. In one, he was decapitated by a police helicopter, and in the other he electrocutes himself to save Clear, only for it to turn out that she's pregnant with his child, and she now can see death before it happens.

Douchebag Carter also survives in these endings, but this was changed just two months before release. In the final movie, Alex and Clear survive, and the film's final shot has Carter get killed by a falling sign as an added "gotcha!" moment.

How It Improved The Movie: Alex dying would've left an incredibly sour taste after everything he's gone through, while Carter's last-minute demise leaves audiences on an exhilarating, hilarious high as the credits roll. It was definitely a good call instead of a more reflective, self-serious ending that wouldn't suit the film's goofy B-movie tone.

Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.