Fast X is back on track after securing Louis Leterrier as its new director. Last week, it was announced that Justin Lin was exiting the project event though filming had already begun. Lin, who was also planning on directing the eleventh and final installment of the movie series, reportedly stepped down due to "creative differences." A letter from the director announcing his exit was also shared on the official Fast X social media accounts. You can read it below.
"With the support of Universal, I have made the difficult decision to step back as director of FAST X, while remaining with the project as a producer. Over 10 years and five films, we have been able to shoot the best actors, the best stunts, and the best damn car chases. On a personal note, as the child of Asian immigrants, I am proud of helping to build the most diverse franchise in movie history. I will forever be grateful to the amazing cast, crew and studio for their support, and for welcoming me into the FAST family."
Per Variety, Universal is looking to put the rubber back on the road with Fast X with Leterrier signing on to take over as director. The filmmaker, whose other work includes The Incredible Hulk, Clash of the Titans, and The Brothers Grimsby, is said to have been the studio's first choice for Lin's replacement, beating out many other potential candidates. As of now, Leterrier is reportedly working out his schedule with the Fast X team to get started on the film as soon as possible.
Lin will remain on board as a producer, and the sequel is still using a screenplay he'd co-written with Dan Mazeau. Star Vin Diesel is also producing alongside Neal Moritz, Jeff Kirschenbaum, and Samantha Vincent.
Fast X Features an All-Star Cast
Given the high-profile talent that is already on set, Univeral did not want to keep Fast X on ice for long. The film brings back franchise stars like Vin Diesel, Charlize Theron, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Jordana Brewster, Nathalie Emmanuel, Sung Kang, and Cardi B. Jason Momoa has also been cast to play the villain, while The Suicide Squad's Daniela Melchior and Captain Marvel's Brie Larson have also been cast in mystery roles.
For her part, Larson manifested her own casting in the series. She had publicly campaigned for the role, announcing that she was a big fan of the Fast and Furious films while calling for a role in one of the final installments of the series. It wasn't long after when Vin Diesel welcomed Larson to the family, and she posted a celebratory announcement on Instagram. She said:
“Excited doesn’t even begin to explain how I feel about joining the Fast family. Thank you for welcoming me in with so much kindness and excitement, Vin Diesel. can’t wait to share more (when I can).”
Fast X is scheduled to be released in movie theaters on May 19, 2023.