After a surprising tease at the end of Fast X, Universal has officially announced that Dwayne Johnson will be back for another Fast and Furious movie. The news comes as a major reversal for the star who had previously insisted he was done with the action-packed series after clashes with Fast headliner Vin Diesel. Johnson’s return has sparked excitement among fans and industry insiders alike.
The untitled Fast project, announced by Universal and Johnson on Thursday, will feature a script penned by Chris Morgan, a long-time contributor to the Fast franchise. This project also marks a franchise return for Morgan, who sat out F9 and Fast X but has written six of the main franchise movies as well as the 2019 spin-off, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, starring Johnson and Jason Statham.
In addition to starring in the film, Johnson will produce the project alongside his Seven Bucks Productions partners Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia. Surprisingly, Diesel, who has had well-publicized conflicts with Johnson, will also be joining the producers’ list, along with Samantha Vincent, through their One Race company. This collaboration between the two stars-turned-producers demonstrates a commitment to the franchise’s core theme of “family,” as Garcia is Johnson’s ex-wife, and Hiram Garcia is Johnson’s ex-brother-in-law and Dany’s brother. Samantha Vincent is Diesel’s sister.
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Other notable producers on board for the project include Morgan, Jeff Kirschenbaum, and Neal Moritz. While specific details about the film remain under wraps, sources reveal that this new installment will serve as a bridging chapter between Fast X and Fast 11, acting as more of a Fast X.5. It is also expected to feature other beloved Fast actors.
Although fans may hope for an on-screen reunion between Johnson and Diesel, sources indicate that Diesel will not be starring in this side chapter. However, nothing is being ruled out for future projects, leaving the possibility open for their eventual reunion on the screen.
The behind-the-scenes reunion of the two conflicting mega-stars marks a significant milestone in their tumultuous relationship. The clashes between Johnson and Diesel began on the set of Fate of the Furious in 2016, prompting Johnson to publicly express his dissatisfaction on Instagram. In subsequent years, Johnson repeatedly stated in the press that he would not be returning to the main franchise. However, Diesel made a public appeal to Johnson for his return, which Johnson initially rejected.
Despite their differences, Johnson eventually agreed to come back for a cameo in Fast X. Following a private screening of the film, Johnson had a change of heart. In a social media post, he stated, “Last summer Vin and I put all the past behind us. We’ll lead with brotherhood and resolve – and always take care of the franchise, characters & FANS that we love.”
The new movie featuring Johnson’s return allows Universal to extend the life of the Fast and Furious franchise, which has been a box office juggernaut for over two decades. With over $7 billion in earnings from the first ten films, the franchise was seemingly reaching its conclusion. However, Fast X proved its enduring popularity, opening to a worldwide box office of $320 million in May 2023 and becoming the second biggest global opening of the year. It surpassed the $500 million mark in its second weekend.
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As fans eagerly await further details about the untitled Fast project, the return of Dwayne Johnson promises an exhilarating continuation of the beloved franchise. With the potential for more thrilling action, family dynamics, and high-speed adventures, the Fast and Furious series continues to captivate audiences around the globe.
