Moviefone Editorial

Tag: Fast & Furious

  • Justin Lin Directing Keanu Reeves in ‘BRZRKR’

    (Left) Director Justin Lin on the set of 'Fast Five.' Photo: Universal Pictures. (Right) Keanu Reeves in the Roku Channel docuseries 'Visionaries'. Photo: Roku Channel.
    (Left) Director Justin Lin on the set of ‘Fast Five.’ Photo: Universal Pictures. (Right) Keanu Reeves in the Roku Channel docuseries ‘Visionaries’. Photo: Roku Channel.

    Preview:

    • Justin Lin is aboard the ‘BRZRKR’ movie.
    • Keanu Reeves is starring as a character from the comic he created.
    • ‘Mother/Android’s Mattson Tomlin wrote the script.

    Back in 2021, Keanu Reeves –– no stranger to action on screen thanks to the ‘Matrix’ and ‘John Wick’ movie series –– added another creative string to his bow via comic book title ‘BRZRKR,’ which debuted in 2021 via Boom! Studios.

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    Partly funded by a successful Kickstarter campaign, the comic features an extremely powerful character –– who most certainly looks like his creator –– battling his way through enemies while also contemplating the end of his own immortal existence.

    Reeves had always intended to adapt the comic book into movies and beyond, and the big screen version took a big step forward as The Hollywood Reporter brings word that ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise filmmaking veteran Justin Lin is on board to direct.

    Related Article: Keanu Reeves and Gard Hollinger Talk Roku Docuseries ‘Visionaries’

    What’s the story of ‘BRZRKR’?

    BRZRKR comics. Photo: Boom! Studios.
    BRZRKR comics. Photo: Boom! Studios.

    The official synopsis of the Boom! title describes it as a “brutally epic saga about an immortal warrior’s 80,000 year fight through the ages. The man known only as ‘B’ is half-mortal and half-god, cursed and compelled to violence, even at the sacrifice of his sanity. But after wandering the earth for centuries, B may have finally found a refuge — working for the U.S. government to fight the battles too violent and too dangerous for anyone else. In exchange, B will be granted the one thing he desires — the truth about his endless blood-soaked existence… and how to end it.”

    Reeves came up with the concept and the story, and developed it with artist Ron Garney and Eisner-nominated comics author Matt Kindt, who has previously written titles for Marvel, DC and Valiant and who was behind the creator-owned comic ‘Mind MGMT.’

    The first issue remains one of the best-selling comics of the last decade, selling over 600,000 copies. The title itself has sold over 3.5 million worldwide, including all collected issues and specials.

    In 2024, a spin-off novel titled ‘The Book of Elsewhere,’ written by China Miéville and Reeves, became a New York Times best-seller after being published by Del Rey, the imprint from Penguin Random House, the publisher that also owns Boom!

    Here’s what Reeves told a San Diego Comic-Con crowd about his idea back in 2022:

    “I had this idea — I wanted a character to punch people through their chest and rip their arms off. And the idea of someone who was cursed with violence and trying to figure out who they are and how they came to be and kind of reclaiming their humanity.

    And he also talked up both his comics fandom and his elation at seeing his creation in print:

    “I was that kid coming back with bags of comic books, and it was always a good day. I was like, ‘I’m kind of an adult, and this is the best f****** Christmas I’ve ever f****** had.’”

    Mattson Tomlin, who wrote the likes of ‘Project Power’ and ‘Little Fish’ and both scripted and directed ‘Mother/Android,’ is aboard to handle the ‘BRZRKR’ screenplay.

    He’s recently been busy co-writing ‘The Batman 2’ with Matt Reeves.

    What else is happening with ‘BRZRKR’?

    BRZRKR comics. Photo: Boom! Studios.
    BRZRKR comics. Photo: Boom! Studios.

    In addition to the movie, Tomlin has also been involved with an anime take on the title, which will expand and explore different elements of the title.

    Reeves is naturally involved, and will voice the main character.

    There will also be plenty of merchandise headed our way via IMG.

    What else is Justin Lin working on?

    (L to R) Karl Urban and Zachary Quinto in 'Star Trek Beyond'. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
    (L to R) Karl Urban and Zachary Quinto in ‘Star Trek Beyond’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    News of Lin tackling the ‘BRZRKR’ movie comes as he’s just had some help from Reeves with his own latest project.

    Having worked for a few years in the blockbuster sphere on several ‘Fast’ movies and ‘Star Trek Beyond,’ while also handling episodes of ‘True Detective’ and the pilot of the ‘Magnum P.I.’ reboot, Lin decided to return to his indie roots for a new film called ‘Last Days’ about the tragic story of missionary John Allen Chau, who was killed by a tribe living on an island in the Indian Ocean.

    He was in pre-production on the movie when the financing fell through, but then the day was saved by a particular “angel investor” who offered their own money: one K. Reeves.

    Here’s what Lin told Collider about the movie’s issues and Reeves stepping in to help:

    “For a year, we thought we had our financing, and I met some people, and it turned out not to be true. It’s one of those darkest moments where I felt like, ‘I tried my best. We tried.’ I felt really bad because (actor) Sky Yang was already prepping, and I’m like, ‘Oh, I think that’s it…’ Then Keanu called out of the blue, and he’s like, ‘I heard you’re having some problems. I want to help.’ It was so inspirational.”

    The movie premiered at Sundance this year, but has yet to confirm a release date.

    Lin is also attached to direct ‘Two For the Money,’ a heist thriller that has Charlize Theron and Daniel Craig attached and that is set up at Apple.

    When will the ‘BRZRKR’ movie hit our screens?

    Netflix, which has the rights to both the movie and is backing the anime spin-off, has yet to formally announce a launch date.

    But given the company, we’d likely expect to see this one hit its servers rather than having a big theatrical release. Don’t expect to see it much before 2026, either.

    (L to R) Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reeves in the Roku Channel docuseries 'Visionaries'. Photo: Roku Channel.
    (L to R) Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reeves in the Roku Channel docuseries ‘Visionaries’. Photo: Roku Channel.

    List of Keanu Reeves Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Keanu Reeves Movies On Amazon

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  • ‘Shaky Shivers’ Exclusive Poster

    ‘Shaky Shivers’ will play in theaters via Cineverse and Fathom Events for one night only on September 21st.
    ‘Shaky Shivers’ will play in theaters via Cineverse and Fathom Events for one night only on September 21st.

    He’s been known for years know as a compelling actor in front of the camera for movies such as ‘Better Luck Tomorrow’, ‘Mystery Men’, ‘Live Free or Die Hard’ and, most notably, the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise (where his character , Han Lue, AKA Han Seoul-Oh, was seemingly killed off but managed to survive with the help of some clever technology). But Sung Kang is now proving he can also deliver entertainment behind it.

    Working from a script by Andrew McAllister and Aaron Strongoni, he’s made his directorial debut with horror movie ‘Shaky Shivers’ promising campy scares and practical creature action.

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    And we have an exclusive first look at the new poster for the movie.

    ‘Shaky Shivers’ will play in theaters via Cineverse and Fathom Events for one night only on September 21st.
    ‘Shaky Shivers’ will play in theaters via Cineverse and Fathom Events for one night only on September 21st.

    What’s the story of ‘Shaky Shivers’?

    Director Sung Kang on the set of 'Shaky Shivers.'
    Director Sung Kang on the set of ‘Shaky Shivers.’

    Here’s the official synopsis:

    “After finding herself bitten by a mysterious animal, Lucy (Brooke Markham) becomes convinced that she will transform into a fearsome werewolf. Joined by her best friend Karen (VyVy Nguyen), the two embark on a wild adventure filled with magic and mayhem, as they look to do battle with a throat-slashing creature ripped right out of an 80s horror movie.”

    Related Article: ‘Fast X’ Finds the Fun in the Franchise Again Thanks to Higher Stakes and Jason Momoa

    Who else stars in ‘Shaky Shivers’?

    Brooke Markham and VyVy Nguyen in director Sung Kang 'Shaky Shivers.'
    (L to R) Brooke Markham and VyVy Nguyen in director Sung Kang ‘Shaky Shivers.’

    The cast for the horror comedy also includes Erin Daniels, Skyler Day and Herschel Sparber.

    Were we secretly hoping that Kang had managed to convince his ‘Fast’ co-star and gravel-voiced icon Vin Diesel to make a cameo? We admit we were, but it doesn’t appear he shows up from the looks of the trailer, which you can see below.

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    The tone for this one carried through to the poster certainly evokes the 1980s horror trend, when lurid video sleeves would tempt people far too young to watch violent horror movies to check out the likes of ‘Ghoulies’ and the ‘House’ franchise (kids, ask your parents about video sleeves. And videos.)

    Sung Kang talks about making the movie

    Director Sung Kang on the set of 'Shaky Shivers.'
    Director Sung Kang on the set of ‘Shaky Shivers.’

    Kang had this to say about his debut behind the camera:

    “I’ve wanted to direct my first feature for a long time now. I’ve written several scripts and read hundreds more. There were several times where I would find a good project to attach myself to, but ultimately, for a myriad of reasons, it never felt quite right in my gut. A good friend of mine wrote ‘Shaky Shivers’. I read it the night he gave it to me, and by the next day I knew this was it. It had a great balance of horror and comedy, and it brought me right back to my VHS-renting childhood. As a kid, this was my film school. And I needed that escapism, especially being a Korean kid growing up in Georgia in the 1980’s.”

    And this is Kang on his hopes for the film:

    “We all know it’s been a heavy and divisive couple of years, and this is a movie that helps you forget about all of that. I wanted to make a film that would make me jump with fear, and at the same time, laugh my ass off.”

    ‘Shaky Shivers’ will be offering chills and thrills in theaters via Cineverse and Fathom Events for one night only on September 21st.

    Director Sung Kang on the set of 'Shaky Shivers.'
    Director Sung Kang on the set of ‘Shaky Shivers.’

    Other Movies Featuring Sung Kang:

    Buy Tickets: ‘Shaky Shivers’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Sung Kang Movies On Amazon

    Sung Kang, director of ‘Shaky Shivers,’ will be doing in-person Q&A’s at the following screenings:

    Monday, September 18 at 7pm PST
    AMC Metreon 16
    135 4th St #3000, San Francisco, CA 94103
    Purchase tickets: Here!

    Wednesday, September 20 at 7pm PST
    Regal LA Live
    1000 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
    Purchase tickets: Here!

    Thursday, September 21 at 7pm PST
    Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood
    100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California 91608
    Purchase tickets: Here!

     

  • Vin Diesel Hints at 12th ‘Fast & Furious’ Movie

    Vin Diesel as Dom in 'Fast X,' directed by Louis Leterrier.
    Vin Diesel as Dom in ‘Fast X,’ directed by Louis Leterrier.

    Just when you though the ‘Fast & Furious’ team had really, truly finalized plans to wrap the franchise up (while still, of course, leaving the car door open for future spin-offs etc.) with the already-announced 11th entry as a two parter with this week’s ‘Fast X’ along comes star/producer Vin Diesel teasing that there could well be at least one more movie.

    Team ‘Fast’ headed to Rome shortly before the weekend for a big press event to promote the movie (which makes sense, since a chunk of the film takes place in the city).

    Interviewed by Fandango about a possible future for the franchise, Diesel said this,

    “It’s a really good question. As filmmakers, you want to allow people to enjoy the film without tipping the hat too much. I can say this. Going into making this movie, the studio had asked if this could be a two-parter. And after the studio saw this, part one, they said, could you make ‘Fast X’, the finale, a trilogy?”

    Diesel and co-star Michelle Rodriguez wouldn’t be drawn on whether it’ll happen for sure, though Diesel did say, “probably”.

    You can see the full video here:

    Of course, even though Diesel has an awful lot of say over developments in the ‘Fast’ world, it’s up to Universal whether this actually happens. But we can certainly see the studio happy to keep its most successful franchise motoring.

    Our guess –– and this is purely speculation –– is that executives are waiting to see the box office results of ‘Fast X’ before making any final decision.

    Jason Momoa is Dante in 'Fast X,' directed by Louis Leterrier.
    Jason Momoa is Dante in ‘Fast X,’ directed by Louis Leterrier.

    Related Article: Rita Moreno Joins ‘Fast X’

    What happens in ‘Fast X’?

    Directed by Louis Leterrier (who replaced Justin Lin) ‘Fast X’ picks up with Dom and his crew as they look to fend off the pair of big bads — the cyberterrorist Cipher (Charlize Theron) and her mysterious cohort, Dante (Jason Momoa), who, it turns out, has a link to another previous franchise antagonist, the drug kingpin Reyes, played in ‘Fast Five’ by Joaquim de Almeida.

    Dante, as the trailers for ‘Fast X’ have already revealed, is the son of Reyes, and has spent the time since ‘Fast Five’ plotting his revenge against Dom and co.

    Dom and the usual gang will need help of a new friend, Tess (Brie Larson), who has her own connections to a supporting ‘Fast’ character.

    The cast for this one is typically sprawling and includes Tyrese Gibson, Sung Kang, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, John Cena, Jason Statham, Alan Ritchson, Nathalie Emmanuel, Michael Rooker, Helen Mirren, Daniela Melchior, Jordana Brewster, Cardi B and Scott Eastwood, Rita Moreno and Leo Abelo Perry.

    And original franchise star Paul Walker’s daughter Meadow will appear in the film in a cameo to “honor” the legacy of her late father, as she revealed on social media last week.

    ‘Fast X’, as mentioned, is due in theaters on Friday. The 11th film (with Leterrier returning) has yet to announce a release date but is likely headed our way in 2025.

    Jason Momoa and Vin Diesel star in 'Fast X.'
    (L to R) Jason Momoa and Vin Diesel star in ‘Fast X.’ Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Fast X:’

    Buy Tickets: ‘Fast X’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy ‘Fast & Furious’ Movies On Amazon

    ‘Fast X’ is produced by Universal Pictures, Original Film, One Race, and Perfect Storm Entertainment. It is set to premiere in theaters on May 19th, 2023.

     

  • Simu Liu Starring in ‘Seven Wonders’

    Simu Liu in Marvel Studios' 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.'
    Simu Liu in Marvel Studios’ ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2021.

    Simu Liu has come a long way from his days as a model in stock photos. Since hitting a level of stardom in Canada and beyond in sitcom ‘Kim’s Convenience’, he then took his career to the next level by landing the lead role in Marvel’s ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’.

    And he isn’t sitting idly by waiting for the call to go and work on another Marvel movie. He’s been landing roles left right and center and is now looking to get into producing with a new Prime Video series called ‘Seven Wonders’.

    Ben Mezrich wrote the novel that the series will be based on, and ‘Seven Wonders’ follows Dr. Nate Grady (Liu), a brilliant botanist-adventurer who teams up with the slippery international fixer Sloane Seydoux on a breathless race to solve an ancient mystery tied to the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

    It all sounds a little like ‘Indiana Jones’ crossed with ‘The Da Vinci Code’ to us, which could be a fun combination.

    Producer Beau Flynn, who has worked on movies such as ‘San Andreas’, ‘Rampage’ and this week’s ‘Black Adam’ (he regularly collaborates with Dwayne Johnson), helped develop the book into a series pitch that Amazon quickly snapped up for its Prime Video service. Flynn will produce the show through his Flynn Picture Company outfit.

    Justin Lin, who for years made entries in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise (until unexpectedly driving away from it during production of the latest outing this past April), is on board as another executive producer via his Perfect Storm Entertainment company. Lin is also going to direct the series, adding to a resume that also includes ‘Star Trek Beyond’ and ‘Better Luck Tomorrow’.

    Vin Diesel and director Justin Lin
    (L to R) Vin Diesel and director Justin Lin on the set of ‘Fast Five.’

    He also has extensive experience in TV, having helped guide the likes of ‘S.W.A.T.’ and ‘Magnum PI’ to small screens, directing both shows’ pilots.

    Adam Cozad, the screenwriter behind ‘The Legend of Tarzan’ and ‘Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit’ is leading the writing team for the new series. He’s also recently had TV experience thanks to working on Jeff Bridges action drama show ‘The Old Man’.

    As for Liu, he’ll be seen opposite Mark Wahlberg in adventure drama ‘Arthur the King’ and has a role in romantic comedy drama ‘One True Loves’.

    In the higher profile category, he has an unknown role in the Margot Robbie-starring, Greta Gerwig-directed ‘Barbie’ (potentially as one of the versions of Ken, as the film appears to have the concept of multiple Barbies and Kens).

    And on the Marvel front, ‘Shang-Chi’ director Destine Daniel Cretton is developing a sequel to that movie and recently landed the job of making ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ and we’d be surprised if Liu’s character didn’t turn up in at least that Avengers movie, and possibly ‘Secret Wars’, which will follow it a year later.

    Katy (Awkwafina) and Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) in Marvel Studios' 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.'
    (L to R) Katy (Awkwafina) and Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) in Marvel Studios’ ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2021.

     

  • ‘Reacher’s Alan Ritchson Joins ‘Fast X’

    Alan Ritchson in Prime Video's 'Jack Reacher.'
    Alan Ritchson in Prime Video’s ‘Jack Reacher.’

    The ‘Fast & Furious’ continues to add people known for their physicality to its latest installment, ‘Fast X’.

    Alan Ritchson, best known currently for embodying Lee Child’s tough nut creation Jack Reacher on Prime Video’s ‘Reacher’, is the latest recruit for the new movie, according to Deadline.

    As with all the other casting announcements, we don’t yet know what Ritchson will be doing in the movie – whether he’ll be riding alongside Vin Diesel’s Dominic Toretto and his team, or joining the side of the villains, which in this case are represented by a returning Charlize Theron as Cipher, joined by Jason Momoa’s mysterious character.

    ‘Fast X’ has the core cast in place – Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Ludacris, Tyrese Gibson, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Sung Kang among them. New to the franchise this time are Momoa, Brie Larson and ‘The Suicide Squad’s Daniela Melchior.

    And given the post-credit scene on ‘F9: The Fast Saga’, we’d be surprised if Jason Statham wasn’t also back in the main series following spin-off ‘Hobbs & Shaw’.

    Most of the news about the new movie has been mixed – director Justin Lin left after roughly two weeks’ worth of filming, citing the industry-standard “creative differences” which have reportedly included clashes with Diesel (who is a controlling producer on the movies and sees himself as their guardian as well as their star) and the studio on scripts.

    Alan Ritchson in Prime Video's 'Jack Reacher.'
    Alan Ritchson in Prime Video’s ‘Jack Reacher.’

    The differences are all the more surprising since Lin is A) a veteran shepherd of the movies, having directed several of them and B) one of the credited writers on the current film’s script alongside Dan Mazeau. He’s still involved as a producer.

    ‘Fast X’ briefly shut down its production in the wake of Lin leaving, and the studio has scrambled to find a replacement. It appears that Louis Leterrier is now in place to handle the giant vehicular set pieces that are a hallmark of this movie series.

    Ritchson feels like he could fit into the movie without much hassle – he’s used to getting into fights on screen and there’s always some muscular rumbling to be found amidst the speedy action. Yet will he make his mark and stick around, or be reduced to a one-and-done (so far) like Scott Eastwood?

    Aside from ‘Reacher’, Ritchson was previously known for playing Gloss in ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ and for donning performance capture gear to bring Raphael to life in the two recent live action/CGI ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ movies.

    He’s also stepped behind the camera to write and direct last year’s ‘Dark Web: Cicada 3301’.

    Ritchson has been at work on new, based-on-truth drama ‘Ordinary Angels’, in which he’ll appear opposite Hilary Swank. That movie doesn’t yet have a release date listed.

    ‘Fast X’, meanwhile, assuming the director swap hasn’t impacted its schedule too much, will be driving in theaters on May 19th next year.

    'Fast X' Logo.
    ‘Fast X’ Logo. Courtesy of Vin Diesel’s Instagram account.
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  • Director Justin Lin Leaves ‘Fast X’

    Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson in 'Fast Five,' directed by Justin Lin.
    (L to R) Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson in ‘Fast Five,’ directed by Justin Lin.

    As a franchise, the ‘Fast & Furious’ movies have sped through all manner of challenges: changing cast rosters, the clashing, outsized movie star and music egos of some of its actors and even a long delay for the last movie because of the pandemic.

    Yet somehow, none of them have screamed, “the wheels are coming off!” quite like the departure of director Justin Lin 10 days into shooting the latest installment, ‘Fast X’.

    While it is not unusual for directors to depart movies, especially big ones, the fact that one of the acknowledged architects of the ‘Fast’ series, one who has produced and directed five of the movies since kicking off his association with ‘The Fast And The Furious: Tokyo Drift’ in 2006, has stepped away – in the middle of shooting, no less – is something of a shocker.

    “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,” Lin says in a statement posted to the franchise’s official twitter feed. “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.”

    So far, so diplomatic. And according to sources who spoke to the likes of Deadline, the parting was amicable, if rooted in the age-old reason of “creative differences”. It’s a little more surprising, (though again, not unheard of), for those to emerge now, while the cameras are rolling, than in the months of scripting and pre-production that precede a giant movie such as this.

    In the past few months there has been nothing but positivity from Camp Fast, albeit that’s because it’s primarily driven by star and producer Vin Diesel, who offers semi-regular updates on his Instagram page. It’s perhaps telling, though, that one recent example, shot to celebrate the end of the first week’s filming features a Lin who seems both tired and less than thrilled about participating.

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    At the time of writing, Diesel has made no comment on the matter, and Universal, which is about to present its upcoming slate to theater owners at this year’s CinemaCon, may be holding back until there is something to announced. Second Unit filming, also underway in London, is continuing.

    ‘Fast X’, which has kept its plot under wraps so far (though you can guess there will be outrageous car stunts, scheming villains to be thwarted and references to “family”), boasts the likes of Jason Momoa, Brie Larson and ‘The Suicide Squad’s Daniela Melchior joining the more regular ensemble, which includes Diesel, Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez, Ludacris, Tyrese Gibson, Sung Kang and Nathalie Emmanuel, plus Charlize Theron, returning as the crafty Cipher.

    Right now, the movie is still scheduled to race into theaters on May 19th next year.

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  • Daniela Melchior Added to ‘Fast 10’

    Daniela Melchior as Ratcatcher
    Daniela Melchior as Ratcatcher in ‘The Suicide Squad.’

    Talk about a fast rise to big movies: Daniel Melchior, who made her big Hollywood debut with ‘The Suicide Squad’ last year, is heading for another hefty franchise, as The Wrap reports she’s joining the cast of ‘Fast & Furious 10’.

    The increasingly physics-denying movie series (they went to orbit in the last one) is preparing to wrap up its current run with a one-two punch of the next two films.

    With Vin Diesel as usual producing and starring, most of ‘Fast 10’ is under wraps right now. All we really know right now is that veteran ‘Fast’ director Justin Lin is back at the steering wheel after also making the last movie.

    ‘Fast 10’s story is being kept quiet, though you just know it’ll involve speedy vehicles, ridiculous stunts, a big threat plus plenty of moments of the cast bonding over BBQs and bottles of Corona.

    Diesel will be delivering his usual gravely dialogue (and references to family) as Dominic Toretto, joined by regulars Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris and Sung Kang, whose Han returned, having escaped his apparent death in third outing ‘Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift’.

    One person who likely won’t be showing up is Dwayne Johnson, who has been in a less-than-subtle rift with Diesel during the last few years and seems content to either appear in ‘Hobbs & Shaw’ spin-off movies or stick to his own franchises.

    'The Fate of the Furious' Cast
    (L to R) Vin Diesel, Charlize Theron, Michelle Rodriguez, Dwayne Johnson, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, and Jason Statham in ‘The Fate of the Furious.’

    As for his ‘Hobbs’ co-star Jason Statham, he appears more likely to return to the main movies following a credits sting that saw his Deckard Shaw confronted by Han. Those with a memory for the various ‘Fast’ twists and turns will recall that it was Shaw who was responsible for Han’s “death”. Hopefully they’ll be able to work it out before someone ends up dead. Again.

    Or not. Look, it’s confusing.

    Still, to beef up the muscle factor, the new movie is adding Jason Momoa, with the ‘Aquaman’ star reportedly playing a villain. He’s said that he’s thrilled to be joining the ‘Fast’ family and if tradition holds, he’ll only be a bad guy for so long before he ends up joining forces with Dom and co. – so far, only Charlize Theron’s Cypher has resisted the urge to switch sides.

    In addition to her praised turn as Cleo Cazo AKA Ratcatcher 2, Melchior dubbed the voice of Gwen Stacey in Portuguese for ‘Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse’ and has a couple of other movies coming up.

    She stars alongside Henry Golding, Sam Neill and Noomi Rapace in ‘Assassin Club’ and has a role in Liam Neeson thriller “Marlowe.’

    ‘Fast & Furious 10’ – whatever it tends up being subtitled (‘Fast 10 Forward’ is probably too ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ unless they plan on having Whoopi Goldberg show up) – is scheduled to drive up to theaters on May 19 next year. The 11th movie could be shot concurrently, though that doesn’t seem to be the plan right now.

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  • Jason Momoa in Talks to Join ‘Fast & Furious 10’

    Jason Momoa as Aquaman in 'Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.'
    Jason Momoa as Aquaman in ‘Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.’

    The ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise is well known for its healthy stock of tough types and speedy vehicles. So, it’s perhaps not all that surprising that Jason Momoa is in talks to join the fun.

    Yes, the man more normally known as Aquaman looks set to flex his considerable muscles in the next outing of the Vin Diesel-led movies, which boast fast cars, frantic action, and a lot of talk about “family”. A lot. A ridiculous amount.

    According to The Hollywood Reporter, Momoa is close to a deal for the movie, and could well end up as the main antagonist for this 10th entry. Of course, as anyone who has seen the more recent ‘Fast’ movies knows, villains rarely stay that way forever (even John Cena’s Jakob Toretto turned into a goodie at the end of ‘F9: The Fast Saga’. Which means that even if Momoa starts off causing trouble for Diesel’s Dominic Toretto, they could be bonding over a bottle of Corona and a family barbecue by the time the final credits roll.

    And Momoa would be a welcome addition to the movies, especially since Vin Diesel’s attempts to woo back Dwayne Johnson have not so far yielded success. The actor, who played Luke Hobbs in several ‘Fast’ films (including spin-off ‘The Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw’ opposite Jason Statham), shrugged off Diesel’s latest attempt to make nice.

    (L to R) Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson in Universal's 'Fast Five.'
    (L to R) Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson in Universal’s ‘Fast Five.’

    “I was very surprised by Vin’s recent post. This past June, when Vin and I actually connected not over social media, I told him directly – and privately – that I would not be returning to the franchise. I was firm yet cordial with my words and said that I would always be supportive of the cast and always root for the franchise to be successful, but that there was no chance I would return,” Johnson said to CNN.

    “I privately spoke with my partners at Universal as well, all of whom were very supportive as they understand the problem. Vin’s recent public post was an example of his manipulation. I didn’t like that he brought up his children in the post, as well as Paul Walker‘s death. Leave them out of it. We had spoken months ago about this and came to a clear understanding.”

    “My goal all along was to end my amazing journey with this incredible ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise with gratitude and grace,” he adds, “It’s unfortunate that this public dialogue has muddied the waters. Regardless, I’m confident in the ‘Fast’ universe and its ability to consistently deliver for the audience, and I truly wish my former co-stars and crew members the best of luck and success in the next chapter.” Ouch.

    ‘Fast 10’ (or whatever they end up calling it) is still largely an unknown in terms of plot – beyond the usual ridiculous, physics-ignoring stunts and team banter. Regular director Justin Lin is back to handle this movie and the one after (which Diesel has said will wrap up the ‘Fast’ franchise as we know it), and we can expect the likes of Michelle Rodriguez, Ludacris, Tyrese Gibson, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Sung Kang to “be along for the ride” with Diesel.

    ‘Fast & Furious 10’ will shoot this year for a May 19, 2023 release.

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