Vin Diesel Announces Conclusion of “Fast and Furious” Saga with Two Final Films
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Vin Diesel, known for his iconic role in the “Fast and Furious” franchise, revealed that the long-running saga will soon reach its conclusion.
In an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday, Diesel shared that after the release of the upcoming ninth installment, “F9,” the “Fast and Furious” series will wrap up with two more films. Universal Pictures intends to split the finale into two parts, potentially releasing them in 2023 and 2024.
Diesel expressed the belief that every story deserves a proper ending, stating, “There are reasons for a finale. I think this franchise has deserved it.” While the main saga may conclude, Diesel confirmed that the “Fast and Furious” cinematic universe will continue to expand.
The announcement deeply affected Diesel’s daughter, who shed tears upon learning of the franchise’s impending end. Despite fans’ potential reluctance to say goodbye, Diesel emphasized the importance of concluding on a high note and giving the story a fitting conclusion.
Since the franchise’s inception with “The Fast and Furious” in 2001, Diesel has portrayed the iconic character Dominic Toretto. The films have been highly successful, grossing over $1 billion for each of the last two installments.
Featuring an ensemble cast including Michelle Rodriguez, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Jordana Brewster, Jason Statham, and the late Paul Walker, the action-packed movies have captivated audiences worldwide. In 2019, the first spin-off film, “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw,” starring Johnson and Statham, topped the box office and earned $180.8 million globally in its opening weekend.
Last year, the release of “F9” was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The highly anticipated film not only reintroduces fan-favorite character Han (played by Sung Kang), but also features new additions like John Cena and promises a thrilling journey that will even take a car into space.
Director Justin Lin, who has helmed five films in the franchise, revealed that the decision to conclude the saga was made in collaboration with Diesel. Lin will direct the final two installments, reshaping the narrative to provide a satisfying culmination to the characters’ incredible journey.
Diesel acknowledged the significant progress made by the franchise and expressed his relief at finally seeing a finish line. The forthcoming films will undoubtedly mark a milestone for “Fast and Furious” fans worldwide as they prepare to bid farewell to an enduring cinematic legacy.
