Vin Diesel left jaws on the floor at the recent premiere when he seemed to hint Universal was considering splitting the final Fast & Furious movie into three parts, which would make this weekend’s Fast X merely the opening chapter in a trilogy.
Including spin-off Hobbs & Shaw, that would bring the franchise up to 13 installments in total, a statement that would have gotten you laughed out of the building back in the summer of 2001 when Dominic Toretto and the gang were heisting DVD players. And yet, there’s still chatter about a female-led adventure, with director Louis Leterrier hinting that even more could be in store.
It’s hard to believe anybody in Hollywood when they claim any film is really the last one, but The Incredible Hulk helmer appears to be going back on his word before Fast X has even released in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, which is bold even by the standards of an industry that can never be trusted.
“Let’s see what this one does. You know what’s beautiful about this franchise is that the audience gave the love and then the franchise kept growing and delivered for the fans, but also surprised them. Don’t shove it down people’s throats, but give people what they love. So let’s see.
“I mean, who knows? Two years ago we didn’t think that movies would ever exist anymore. Knock on wood, count my lucky stars that we’re making giant movies that now are being seen by millions of people around the globe. It’s amazing, and I’m so happy that we’re part of this summer where it feels like the excitement for movies is back.”
The question isn’t whether or not the world needs more than a baker’s dozen of Fast & Furious flicks, it’s whether the world is ready. On the plus side, we’ll find out in short order when the opening weekend box office numbers for Fast X trickle in, and then it’s off to the races.