While Fast X has yet to hit theaters, Universal hasn’t wasted any time in snapping up director Louis Leterrier to return and direct the eleventh (and supposedly final) instalment of the insanely popular franchise. Many will note that Leterrier was a last-minute replacement for Justin Lin, who quit Fast X early in the shoot following a rumoured disagreement with star Vin Diesel. According to Deadline, Fast and Furious 11 is set to pick up right where Fast X leaves off, with it being described by Deadline as a “companion piece.”
Star Michelle Rodriguez had previously hyped a major cliffhanger ending for Fast X, so in some ways, it would probably be more unusual if Leterrier hadn’t returned. These Fast & Furious movies are difficult to make, with escalating budgets, so if Leterrier was able to pick up the pieces following Lin’s exit, expect him to become much in demand as a fixer for troubled productions.
To note, Leterrier has a solid amount of history as far as making big-budget blockbusters go, with him having directed the first two (good) Transporter movies, as well as the early MCU entry, the underrated The Incredible Hulk, as well as the remake of Clash of the Titans and Now You See Me. His work on all those movies, especially the Transporter movies, made him a good choice to take over, especially as he has history with co-star Jason Statham, who he arguably helped make a star.
Fast X comes out a month from today, on May 19th, and seems set to push the envelope even further for the venerable franchise. In this one, Dom (Vin Diesel) goes up against a new enemy, Jason Momoa’s Dante, who kidnaps his son. Dom unites his crew, including Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), Roman (Tyrese Gibson), Tej (Ludacris), Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel), Han (Sung Kang), Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham) and his mum (Helen Mirren) plus Dom’s sister and brother Mia (Jordana Brewster) and Jakob (John Cena) to get him back. Along the way, they’re helped by the daughter of the (possibly) dead Mr. Nobody, Tess (Brie Larson), Scott Eastwood’s Reisner, and new addition to the franchise Alan Ritchson, as Ames. Veteran Fast & Furious baddie Cypher, once again played by Charlize Theron, is also back to do battle with the Torettos.
Are you excited for Fast X and its sequel? Let us know in the comments!