Fast X director Louis Leterrier says he changed everything about Justin Lin's story.
In an interview with Total Film magazine, Leterrier explained how he was hired to replace Lin in the director's chair following his dramatic exit from the sequel. Having experience with popcorn action films such as 2005's Transporter 2 and 2008's The Incredible Hulk, Leterrier did not hesitate to make changes to Lin's original story plans. "I had to change everything. I had to make it work," Leterrier said.
In April 2022, production on Fast X had to be pulled over when Lin announced he was dropping out as director, while remaining attached as producer. Though Lin offered public support to the Fast X cast and crew, he reportedly clashed with Vin Diesel over his on-set behavior and excessive notes about the script.
Leterrier Jumps Into the Driver's Seat
Following Lin's exit, Leterrier rose to the top of the list of potential directors for Fast X. He won over franchise star Diesel not only with his extensive action resume but also his deep knowledge of the Fast and Furious films. "I don’t sleep! There’s so much to do," Leterrier said. "[But] it’s been the thrill ride of a lifetime."
Between production delays, salary hikes and pandemic testing requirements, Fast X became the most expensive entry in the film series, with a budget reported to be upwards of $340 million. This is 70% higher than the previous entry F9: The Fast Saga, which was made at the cost of $200 million.
Lin's original story idea for Fast X was never disclosed, but the plan was always to make this film the next to last installment before the Fast story reached its conclusion. The Fast X trailer released during Super Bowl 2023 revealed that Dominic Torretto (Diesel) and his family will once again be threatened by cyberterrorist Cipher (Charlize Theron) who joins forces with Dante Reyes (Jason Momoa). Dante is the son of drug lord Hernan Reyes who was the ill-faded villain in 2011's Fast Five.
Returning Fast franchise actors include Michelle Rodriguez (Letty Ortiz), Sung Kang (Han Lue), Chris "Ludacris" Bridges (Tej), Tyrese Gibson (Roman Pearce), John Cena (Jakob Toretto), Helen Mirren and Jason Statham. Scott Eastwood reprises his role as Little Nobody from 2017's The Fate of the Furious. Newcomers to the franchise include Brie Larson as a rogue representative of Mr. Nobody and Rita Moreno as Dom's grandmother Abuela.
Fast X races to theaters on May 19.
Source: Total Film