Louis Leterrier will stay in pole position for the eleventh and final feature in the “Fast and Furious” franchise at Universal Pictures.
“The Transporter” director took over “Fast X” after that film’s original director Justin Lin abruptly exited the feature in its first week of production in May last year. Leterrier famously came on board with just days to prepare and re-write the film.
Despite the rough start, indications are the production ran smoothly with Leterrier in charge, and Universal Pictures is certainly happy enough to stick with him for the franchise’s swan song.
As previously indicated, “Fast X” is the first of a two-parter, with the eleventh closing out both it and the main franchise storyline as a whole. Universal Pictures president Peter Cramer says:
“Louis joined the ‘Fast & Furious’ team seamlessly, with an innate understanding of the franchise that is stronger than ever after two decades. Under his direction, ‘Fast X’ is a high intensity thriller with all the spectacular action, emotion, and twists that the fans have come to expect – and then some. We are thrilled that he will continue to work his magic in the director’s chair.”
Returnees for “Fast X” include Vin Diesel, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Michelle Rodriguez, Ludacris, Nathalie Emmanuel, Sung Kang, John Cena, Charlize Theron, Cardi B, Helen Mirren, Michael Rooker and Scott Eastwood.
Joining the series for the first time are Jason Momoa (“Aquaman”), Daniela Melchior (“The Suicide Squad”), Rita Moreno (“West Side Story”) and Alan Ritchson (“Reacher”).
The ‘Fast’ films have earned more than $6 billion at the worldwide box office. “Fast X” will hit cinemas on May 19th.
Source: Variety
