Brec Bassinger on Fate, <em>Final Destination</em>, and Fearlessly Taking Up Space
From suiting up as a star-spangled superhero in Stargirl to dodging death in Final Destination, Brec Bassinger isn’t afraid to take on fate — on screen or off.
Evolving from her breakout role as Bella Dawson on Nickelodeon’s Bella and the Bulldogs to portraying Courtney Whitmore in the CW’s Stargirl, Bassinger has deeply resonated with a generation seeking both inspiration and relatability, bringing strong female characters a profound sense of empathy and humility.
But perhaps it’s her latest role that signals her most compelling shift yet, giving life to the complex, courageous, and deeply troubled Iris Campbell in Final Destination: Bloodlines, where Bassinger masterfully embraces both the psychological tension and intensity that comes from confronting mortality on screen.
Our publisher, Kristin Prim, caught up with Brec after the blockbuster’s release to talk everything fate, Final Destination, and why women should never be afraid to take up space.
KP: Final Destination: Bloodlines was the first Final Destination film in 14 years, which is very exciting, but I feel — because it’s such a legendary series — that maybe there was a bit of weight that could have come with that as well.
Well, the film is out, and the reviews have been absolutely glowing, so congratulations on that!
BB: Thank you so much!
KP: But before the public and critics weighed in, did you feel any pressure to live up to the legacy of the series? How did you approach it personally? Sequels are notoriously tricky.
BB: Sequels are notoriously tricky and can come with a lot of pressure. Fortunately, our directors, Adam and Zach, had such a clear vision, and the script was so perfectly Final Destination-coded that I never felt nervous. We also had the original FD producers attached to the film, so we had the perfect team to create a movie that all the fans would be satisfied with.
KP: Oh, that’s so cool! You were totally in good hands then. The entire core of the Final Destination series revolves around free will, fate, and often the characters trying to escape theirs somehow, ultimately worsening their individual circumstances.
You’ve spoken before about your belief in fate and the concept that everything happens for a reason. I’m with you on that — every terrible thing that has ever happened in my life has ultimately led to something good that would never have come without the bad. But it’s a difficult way to live, submitting all control and allowing the universe to take you where it will.
What initiated your belief in fate or synchronicity, and what helps you accept your life circumstances, for better or for worse?
BB: I had some pretty divinely timed moments surrounding my casting as Stargirl in DC’s Stargirl. It felt bigger than coincidence. And fittingly, that character’s whole thing was believing in destiny. Ever since then, that belief has stuck with me. It has shaped how I move through life, trusting that there’s a greater plan at work even when things don’t make sense in the moment.
KP: Likewise! It’s so freeing. I could imagine that the Final Destination films are probably some of the most interesting to shoot, if not just the goriest! [Laughs]. Are there any stories that you can share about the filming experience? What makes it so unique?
BB: They set a 71-year-old stunt actor on fire. That was pretty wild to witness and definitely one of those moments where you just look around and think, "Only in a Final Destination movie." Also, my degloving scene was done with a robotic hand that they built from a life cast of my own arm and hand. Sitting there and watching what looked exactly like my hand getting degloved was one of the craziest set experiences I’ve ever had.
KP: That’s… terrifying! [Laughs]. I don’t want to spoil anything, but your character, Iris, has killer instincts and razor-sharp intuition. You’ve said that you feel women naturally have a sixth sense, and I’ve spoken about that a ton on Noir in my conversations with other women, so I totally agree with you.
How have you learned to trust or sharpen your inner voice? Have you ever had a worthwhile premonition?
BB: I can’t say that I’ve ever had a full-on premonition, but I definitely have gut instincts that I haven’t always listened to and learned the hard way that I should have. Now, when something feels strong or off, I make it a point to trust it.
KP: And going back to playing Stargirl, apart from Final Destination, you also played a DC superhero as Stargirl. You’ve always played very strong female roles, which I love. Is that something that you look for when signing onto a project? Who are some of your favorite strong women?
BB: It’s not something that I specifically seek out, but I always try to bring a certain strength to every character that I play. Even if the character is going through something painful or is seen as a victim, there’s always a layer of strength that can be shown.
Honestly, my mom is one of the strongest women I know and has been a huge inspiration in my life. The way that she navigates being an incredible mother, daughter, and person in general constantly amazes me.
KP: Moms are the best. And speaking of strong women, I read that you’re a type 1 diabetic. I have a chronic illness too, hyperPOTS, which I developed as a result of Lyme disease, so I admire anyone who can push through such adversity within their body to live as normal a life as possible. But it’s hard! It took me so long to shake off most of the panic that comes from not knowing what my body will be like from day to day, as well as the anxiousness that simply comes from feeling so unwell at times.
BB: I very much resonate with this. Not feeling in control of your body can cause such intense anxiety.
“Don’t be afraid to take up space — in your relationships, in your career, and in your life. If someone ever tells you that you’re ‘too much,’ remember that it’s often a reflection of their own limits — not your worth.”
KP: It really can! But I’m so inspired by you being able to have this entire career while dealing with the unpredictability that comes with chronic illness. How did you gain the confidence in your body to be as functional as you are? It took me a really long time to get there, so I’m sure that people would find a lot of value in your journey and advice.
BB: T1D, like many autoimmune diseases, is a daily burden. We never get a day off. For me, it really helps to take it one day at a time. If I wake up after a tough night, that doesn’t mean the whole day is ruined. I try to stay mindful of my attitude and gratitude and keep my focus on what I can control, like how I react to challenges, how I treat others, and how I care for myself. Feeling even a little bit in control helps ease the anxiety that can come with managing diabetes every single day.
KP: I think that’s such a great perspective. And in speaking about your T1D diagnosis, you also called for more characters with chronic illness, and then you said something that I was thinking right as you said that — that you wouldn’t want them to be defined by their condition, which I feel many token chronically ill characters often are.
It’s so hard to not feel defined by something that affects you so deeply every day, and I really struggled with whether I wanted to speak about my illness publicly because I never wanted to be defined by what’s “wrong” with me. Concurrently, I also thought that it was important to lend a voice and some comfort to those who are struggling just like me, so I ultimately did decide to talk about it.
How do you manage the fine line between acknowledging this condition that can alter so many of the ways that you live your life, but not let it define who you are? I think it takes a lot of time to figure that out, but you seem to have mastered it!
BB: Thank you! That’s something I’m mindful of. While I’m always open to spreading awareness and educating others, diabetes isn’t the first thing that I bring up in a conversation. I live my life as Brec first, and when the right opportunities come up to advocate for it in a genuine way, I’m all in. One of my favorite things is when someone I’ve known for years says, “I had no idea you had diabetes.” I think that moment alone can be really eye-opening.
KP: That’s amazing. I really love that. What’s something about you that may surprise people?
BB: I think a lot of people are surprised when they find out how outdoorsy I am. Growing up in Texas, I spent a lot of time on my dad’s farm — riding four-wheelers, fishing, playing in the mud, and hiking. At the same time, I love fashion and beauty, so I think it catches people off guard that they are both such a big part of who I am.
KP: That’s so cool! Being from New York, four-wheelers are very much out of my realm of experience, but I’m very jealous! [Laughs]. What advice would you lend to women who want to get involved in acting? What advice would you lend them about life in general?
BB: My advice for a woman wanting to get involved in acting is to look for a local acting class or theatre company. When I started acting, I found an acting school in Texas and fell in LOVE. Not only is it a great way to learn about acting and stimulate that creative brain, but it’s also a great place to meet people with the same drive to create.
My life advice for any woman? Don’t be afraid to take up space — in your relationships, in your career, and in your life. If someone ever tells you that you’re “too much,” remember that it’s often a reflection of their own limits — not your worth.
KP: What do you feel makes a provocative woman?
BB: I think a provocative woman is unapologetically herself. A woman who shares her opinions and boldness confidently, without having to put others down. I was once told by Stargirl’s first AD, Roni Hodge-Hampton, to “be the person who commands a room without demanding a room.” That really stuck with me. To me, that’s what a truly provocative woman is.
Photography: Matallana, Styling: Sarah Slutsky, Hair and Makeup: Chelsea Gehr
