The tumultuous production of Fast X saw a significant shift when director Justin Lin departed just days into filming. Although Lin did not originate the Fast & Furious franchise, his influence during his tenure from the third to the sixth film greatly contributed to its massive success. After stepping away for two installments, Lin returned for the ninth film and was set to helm the franchise’s finale. However, creative differences led to his exit, raising questions about the film’s direction and storyline.
According to Barry Hertz’s upcoming book, Welcome to the Family: The Explosive Story Behind Fast & Furious, set to release on November 25, 2023, Lin’s departure was rooted in more than just artistic disagreements. Hertz reveals that the film’s proposed ending, which involved a surreal plot twist where Vin Diesel’s character, Dominic Toretto, learns that his son, “Little Brian,” is actually the son of the film’s antagonist, Dante Reyes, portrayed by Jason Momoa, sparked controversy. This revelation was met with resistance from Diesel and his team during a closed-door meeting shortly after production began.
In addition to the contentious revelations about character lineage, Lin’s vision included extravagant scenes such as a giant machine that would emerge from underground to consume cars, a concept not far removed from the realm of science fiction. Such ambitious ideas contributed to an atmosphere of tension, ultimately leading to Lin’s decision to leave the project.
Taking over the reins, Louis Leterrier stepped in to salvage the film, but the end result did not meet the high expectations set by earlier installations of the franchise. The reception of Fast X has been lukewarm at best, and as time passes, the likelihood of a sequel appears diminished.
Hertz’s book also explores various other ideas that were proposed but ultimately did not make it into the final cut. Among these was an imaginative “Legion of Doom” sequence, intended to bring back past villains from the franchise, including notable characters like Cole Hauser’s Carter Verone from 2 Fast 2 Furious.
As fans await further developments, the future of the Fast & Furious franchise remains uncertain, particularly regarding the anticipated Fast X Part 2, which currently has no release date. The revelations within Hertz’s work promise to shed light on the complex dynamics that shaped the production of Fast X and the challenges faced in its creation. For those intrigued by the behind-the-scenes drama, the book is set to provide an in-depth look at the evolution of one of cinema’s most lucrative franchises.
