(L to R) Vin Diesel, Director Louis Leterrier and Rita Moreno on the set of ‘Fast X.’
Preview:
Vin Diesel has announced the next ‘Fast & Furious’ movie.
‘Fast Forever’ will be with us in 2028.
Louis Leterrier will direct the movie.
Like a backfiring jalopy with engine trouble, there have been several frustrating false starts for the next –– and most likely final –– ‘Fast & Furious’ movie.
Despite multiple announcements (including more than one from star, producer and ‘Fast’ cheerleader Vin Diesel) about different dates, budget wrangling and schedule issues have given the potential franchise wrap-up flat tires along the way.
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Now, though, it appears that everyone is on the same page (or maybe dirt track?) as both Diesel and studio backers Universal have announced that the new movie, now called ‘Fast Forever’ will be with us in 2028.
Jason Momoa as Dante in ‘Fast X’, directed by Louis Leterrier.
The typically stunt-heavy final minutes of 2023’s ‘Fast X’ show Diesel’s Dom Toretto driving down the side of a dam and into the water below, as he and his son, Little Brian (Leo Abelo Perry), race to escape a trap set by the villainous Dante (Jason Momoa), who arms a series of bombs. Then the movie cuts to black.
Two credit scenes follow, teasing the returns of Dwayne Johnson’s Hobbs and Gal Gadot‘s Gisele.
Universal has confirmed that the movie will be screeching into cinemas on March 17, 2028.
(Clockwise, from left) Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), Han (Sung Kang), Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel), Dom (Vin Diesel), Little Brian (Leo Abelo Perry), Abuelita (Rita Moreno), Mia (Jordana Brewster), Tej (Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, back to camera) and Roman (Tyrese Gibson, back to camera) in ‘Fast X,’ directed by Louis Leterrier.
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Luke Evans about his work on ‘Weekend in Taipei’, his first reaction to the screenplay, his character’s personal history, shooting the action sequences, working with the cast, reuniting with ‘Fast & Furious 6’ co-star Sung Kang, collaborating with director George Huang on set, and what he learned from Luc Besson.
You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Evans, Sung Kang, Wyatt Yang, and director George Huang.
Luke Evans in ‘Weekend in Taipei’. Photo: EuropaCorp.
Moviefone: To begin with, can you talk about your first reaction to the screenplay?
Luke Evans: I mean, the script was just very entertaining. It just felt like a very fun character. I got to move to Taipei for three months. Taipei became such an incredible part of the story. We were able to shoot in all those amazing locations in the city. Luc Besson and George Huang wrote a beautiful script, and it’s just full of everything. There are amazing fight sequences, and great action pieces. There’s a strong emotional core with the relationship between my character and Gwei Lun-mei‘s character. You really root for these people, and there’s humor to it. There’s a bit of tongue-in-cheek charm that my character has. We tried to bring all of that to the story. I really loved it.
MF: What can you say about John and Joey’s past together?
LE: Yeah, so John met Joey (Gwei Lun-mei) 15 years prior to where the story begins and had to leave her there. It all gets explained in the film as to why this happened. But little did he realize that when he left, she was pregnant with their child, and he has no contact with her. His job demands that he cuts all ties with everybody. He loses the love of his life and goes back to Minneapolis and carries on just doing his job and doesn’t find anybody else. Joey brings up their son, and then he comes back to Taipei. Not to meet them; he doesn’t even know that they exist or anything. Then he finds out that they’re there, and they are integral to the storyline. He then must change his priorities as to why he’s there. Now it’s to protect them, his new family, which he didn’t think he had.
(L to R) Wyatt Yang and Gwei Lun-mei in ‘Weekend in Taipei’. Photo: EuropaCorp.
MF: What was it like working with Gwei Lun-mei and the young actor who plays Raymond, Wyatt Yang?
LE: Obviously my first connection was with these two lovely people. We get on very well. Anyway, they’re very lovely. Wyatt was just so charming and innocent and unfazed by everything, impressively, because he’d never been on a film set before. This was his first job, and he just took it all in his stride. Mei, who is just so gracious; she just exudes charm. She is just this beautiful energy and very kind. We just clicked very quickly, and we just became this little family unit, and enjoyed the journey together. We tried to make it fun, and it was. There was a lot of fun moments. Yeah, it was lovely.
MF: Can you talk about shooting the action sequences?
LE: Well, they were full-on. Obviously, I do my stunts as much as I can. So, I came three weeks before we started shooting, and spent every day with the stunt department. We had the French stunt coordinator with his team, and then we had the Taiwanese stunt coordinator, and then a translator that was translating between English, French, and Taiwanese. There was a lot of back-and-forth, but we somehow made it work. Three weeks of rehearsal put me in good stead then to be able to do the stunts and the fights.
Sung Kang in ‘Weekend in Taipei’. Photo: EuropaCorp.
MF: What was it like reuniting with your ‘’Fast & Furious 6′ co-star Sung Kang?
LE: Lovely. I mean, he’s such a gentleman; and he’s great in the movie. We didn’t have a lot to do with each other in ‘Fast 6’. Obviously, I met him when we did the press tour. I spent a lot of time with him. He’s just wonderful, and he’s a lovely partner. So, this time it was nice to play against him on the screen. He’s playing the bad guy, and I’m playing the good guy for once.
MF: What was it like collaborating with George Huang and Luc Besson on set?
LE: Well, it was wonderful. I mean, it was a very collaborative experience from the outset, and George steered the ship beautifully. It was lovely to have a Taiwanese American director who had co-written the script with Luc Besson. Having Luc there as well: he was around, and it was nice to have conversations and talk about development and what we were doing. We were all very happy to be there. Remember, this was very much a time when a lot of productions in the world had come to a standstill. We were very lucky to get one of those allowances to keep shooting. So, we all felt very lucky to be working, and it was wonderful. I mean, we were all having the best time. Taipei is amazing. You should go visit.
Luke Evans in ‘Weekend in Taipei’. Photo: EuropaCorp.
MF: Finally, you also worked with Luc Besson in 2019’s ‘Anna’. What have you learned from working with him on these two movies?
LE: I mean, Luc has many stories. He’s worked with the great and the good, and he is a great storyteller. I know many stories: which I could never tell you, because that would be breaking my code of confidentiality with my friend Luc. But he does have many fun stories to tell. We had many dinners: me, Luc, George, Mei; they work very well together, George and Luc. I think that’s a partnership that we will see a lot more of, I think, as we go forward.
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What is the plot of ‘Weekend in Taipei’?
John Lawlor (Luke Evans), a committed American Drug Enforcement Administration agent, fell in love with Joey (Gwei Lun-mei), a Taipei-based transporter, but was forced to separate due to the disruption of criminal and corruption activities. 15 years later, the duo is reunited when Lawlor is on a mission in Taipei.
Opening for one night only in theaters on September 21st is the new horror-comedy ‘Shaky Shivers,’ which marks the directorial debut for ‘Fast X’ actor Sung Kang.
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What is the plot of ‘Shaky Shivers?’
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.
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with actor turned director Sung Kang about his work on ‘Shaky Shivers,’ why he wanted to direct it, casting Brooke Markham and VyVy Nguyen, the tone of the movie, working with his crew on the production and post-production, what he learned about filmmaking, and how his years as an actor prepared him to direct this project.
Director Sung Kang on the set of ‘Shaky Shivers.’
You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Kang, as well as actresses Brooke Markham and VyVy Nguyen.
Moviefone: To begin with, what was your first reaction to the screenplay and why did you want to make this particular movie for your directorial debut?
Sung Kang: So the writers, Andy McAllister and Aaron Strongoni wrote ‘Shaky Shivers,’ and they were on their way to Austin to get an award for the screenplay. Aaron Strongoni and I had been working together and developing scripts for the last 15 years. I asked him, “Hey, so you’re moonlighting. What’s up with this? What’s this script that you wrote?” And he said, “I have a love affair with the horror genre.” He and Andy did this documentary about Gabe Bartalos, a short film about Gabe Bartalos and his journey as a practical makeup effects artist. They just fell in love with him, his spirit and this art form, and this craft is slowly dying in Hollywood. It’s being taken over by technology. So in honor of him, they wrote ‘Shaky Shivers.’ Then also the characters of Lucy and Karen were inspired and motivated by Andy’s desire to share practical makeup effects of his era, because we’re children of the 80’s. He had an eight or nine year old daughter at the time, and he didn’t want to scare the her, but he wanted to share this love affair for that horror genre with her. So I love that. My north star of the thing that woke me up in the morning to go, I want to direct this film, is also the relationship between Karen and Lucy. At the end of the movie, what a great lesson that these two characters, these two friends go through this journey together, bumbling through this adventure, but at the end of it, they’re okay with who they are. They’re comfortable in their skin, and if you have one sidekick, one best friend, a partner in crime, then you’re good. I felt like, what a great message. Especially today with all the pressures of social media, trying to be perfect and being popular. I fell in love with that theme. So that’s what inspired me to get on board and try to make ‘Shaky Shivers’ happen.
(L to R) Brooke Markham and VyVy Nguyen in director Sung Kang ‘Shaky Shivers.’
MF: What was the casting process like for you as a director and why were Brooke Markham and VyVy Nguyen the right actresses for these roles?
SK: It was super challenging. Casting is everything. I was taught young as an actor that the casting will make or break your movie. Because of the limited resources we had to put in front of the camera, I knew that I would have to lean on the talent and especially Lucy and Karen. I mean, it was so crucial. But fortunately with Brooke’s casting, a couple of the producers had worked with her prior and they presented the project they worked on together, and then we met and instantly I was like, “We have our Lucy, so it should be easy from then on.” But Karen was super challenging to cast. I pretty much was stuck. I almost gave up and I was like, “I don’t know how we’re going to make this work.” A friend of mine had done a thesis short at UCLA film school years prior, and he came over for dinner. I was telling him the struggles of finding Karen for ‘Shaky Shivers.’ I started describing what the character was, and he goes, “I have the perfect actress. VyVy was in my short.” I wasn’t familiar with her work. He sent me the short, and then we did a chemistry test with Brooke and VyVy, and it was there. You just know. It’s because a role for an actor or an actress is like a perfectly tailored suit. Yes, many thespians could come in and of course they could play the role, but it’s like buying a jacket off the rack. You know when it’s a perfectly tailored character for that talent, and we just knew that it could have made or broken the film. If you really pay attention, we have very little, even in the ice cream shop, we have no ice cream! We couldn’t even afford real ice cream in the shop. It’s an ice cream shop and there’s no ice cream! But it’s because of these two actresses and the other cast members like Jimmy Bellinger and Herschel Sparber that came in and lifted the words off the page and then you’re focused on them. So you don’t notice until I mention that we don’t have all these things because of the performances. So we were lucky that we had the cast that we had.
Brooke Markham in director Sung Kang ‘Shaky Shivers.’
MF: Can you talk about the tone you were going for with this film, and were there any other movies within this genre that inspired you?
SK: Well, definitely the practical effects was an homage to the 80’s horror movies that we would go and rent at the video store. What I was going for was comedy that was in the spirit of ‘Bill & Ted’s‘ or ‘Wayne’s World’ in the universe of monsters. ‘Ghost World,’ if you will. So to me, when people describe this as a horror comedy, I actually think it’s a comedy horror. I deliberately tried not to make the movie too scary, but some people have a low tolerance for spook. But I think all the monster stuff is just hilarious. So that was the spirit of the world that I was going for? It was like ‘Rushmore’ or ‘Election, ‘Ghost World,’ ‘Bill & Ted,’ and ‘Wayne’s World,’ again. So I felt like the chemistry between Karen and Lucy was crucial. I mean, essentially they are two doofuses trying to find their way through the evening, but in the monster’s world. So I don’t think this is a horror movie at all.
VyVy Nguyen in director Sung Kang ‘Shaky Shivers.’
MF: Finally, what was the experience of working with your department heads on both production and post-production like for you as a director, and how did your years of experience as an actor prepare you to make this film?
SK: Well, I realized that I know nothing and I have so much to learn. I think directing, you just assume that some of these elements are really easy, but they’re not. As an actor, you get to be a part of pre-production a bit. Then of course, production. But post-production was a total different language that I did not understand. The only currency I had going into this film were the people I surrounded myself with. So I had great producers. The writers were so supportive of me. Of course, the cast was supportive of me and then the crew because we were in the height of the pandemic. I was so humbled and honored that people would come at that time in their lives to come and play with us and to risk their health, to sacrifice their time with their family and try to help me execute this vision. Then in every aspect of this film and the process, even going to get the camera package at Panavision, what I learned and what I will forever use and will be a part of how I approach filmmaking is humble yourself and keep your ego at the door. It’s okay to be open and admit what you don’t know, and then people will come and help you. When we went to Panavision, I said, “I know nothing about glass. I know nothing about lenses.” I had mentors there that came and basically went through a masterclass with me. I’ve never been part of sound mixing before. Gary Bourgeois (the re-recording mixer), who’s a legend in his own right and has worked on Oscar nominated and Oscar winning films, I asked him, “Gary, why did you come onto this little movie?” He said, “Because when I first met you, you just kept telling me that you knew nothing, and that you wanted to pick my brain and ask me questions. That’s why I wanted to come and help you. Don’t ever lose that kid. This town, it’s like everyone came as dreamers, and when somebody comes in pretending that they know everything, it’s off-putting and it’s a turnoff.” I realized that is my greatest currency. As a filmmaker, if I can continue with that ethos, I know that I’ll just continue to be able to work and learn constantly. That’s the beauty of filmmaking I think, once you feel like you know everything, it’s probably time to pack it in, right? Because there’s always evolution. Working with other talent like VyVy and Brooke, there’s so many things that I’ve adopted from them as an actor for when I go in front of the camera again. So I think if you keep that open and that is your north star, there’s always something to learn, and be grateful for the people contributing on your movie, then that family, that army is capable of anything.
Director Sung Kang on the set of ‘Shaky Shivers.’
Please note: Cineverse is an independent, non-AMPTP affiliated distributor. ‘Shaky Shivers’ is in good standing with requirements set forth by SAG-AFTRA and the WGA.
Sung Kang, director of ‘Shaky Shivers,’ will be doing in-person Q&A’s at the following screenings:
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!
‘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.
What’s the story 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.”
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.’
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.
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 as Dom in ‘Fast X,’ directed by Louis Leterrier.
The past always has a way of catching up with Dominic Toretto and his gang. This time, someone from Dom’s past shows up in the most unexpected way, putting everyone in danger, including Dom’s son – Little B.
“Over many missions and against impossible odds, Dom Toretto and his family have outsmarted and outdriven every foe in their path. Now, they must confront the most lethal opponent they’ve ever faced. Fueled by revenge, a terrifying threat emerges from the shadows of the past to shatter Dom’s world and destroy everything — and everyone — he loves.”
‘Fast X’ premiered in Rome on May 12, 2023. It opened in theaters domestically on May 19th. The film opened to $67 million and has grossed over $676.9 million worldwide since its release.
The Past Continues To Haunt Dominic Toretto
(L to R) Vin Diesel and Daniela Melchior in ‘Fast X,’ directed by Louis Leterrier.
Trouble always seems to find its way to Dominic Toretto’s doorstep, much like when ‘Fate of the Furious’ villain Cypher (Charlize Theron) shows up at Dom’s home badly injured. She tells Dom of a new threat named Dante, who turns out to be the son of drug lord Herman Reyes. Reyes (Joaquim de Almeida) appeared in ‘Fast Five’ and met his end after chasing Dom’s team for the vault.
Played by Jason Momoa, Dante seeks revenge for his father’s death and will stop at nothing to hurt Dom – including kidnapping his son Brian. Dante may be the franchise’s most interesting and formidable villain so far – outsmarting Dom in ways we’ve never seen before. Fashionable, unhinged, and outright entertaining to watch, Dante steals every scene he is in.
New Players Entering ‘The Fast & Furious’ Franchise
(Right) Brie Larson is Tess in ‘Fast X,’ directed by Louis Leterrier.
Joining the Fast family are Brie Larson (‘Captain Marvel’), Alan Ritchson (‘Dark Web: Cicada 3301’), and Daniela Melchior (‘The Suicide Squad’). Brie Larson portrays Tess, who is revealed to be the daughter of Mr. Nobody (Kurt Russell). She is helping Dom and his team in their fight against Dante Reyes. Alan Ritchson plays Aimes, the new head of The Agency. Daniela Melchior plays Isabel, a Brazilian street racer who is connected to someone from Dom’s past.
There is more than meets the eye with these new characters, so you should check out the movie to find out exactly who they are and if they’re on Team Dom or plotting against them.
Where Can I Watch ‘Fast X’?
Jason Momoa as Dante in ‘Fast X’, directed by Louis Leterrier.
The film was released theatrically in the United States on May 19th, 2023, and its follow-up is already announced to be released on April 4th, 2025. While the movie is already available on VOD, you can still catch the high-octane action in theaters. ‘Fast X’ is available in IMAX, Dolby Atmos, 3D, and 4DX format, so be sure to check with Moviefone below for showtimes in your area. ‘Fast X’ has a total runtime of 2 hours and 21 minutes, making it the second-longest movie in the franchise.
You now have the option to rent or purchase ‘Fast X’ on VOD for $19.99 or $24.99, respectively. The movie is available on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Direct TV, Google Play, Vudu, Microsoft, YouTube, AppleTV, and Redbox.
As the movie is distributed by Universal Pictures, Peacock subscribers (in both Premium and Premium Plus tiers) will be able to stream ‘Fast X’ once available – likely to be in late August or early September though no official date has been announced by the studio.
No official date has been announced for the DVD/Blu-Ray release of the film, though pre-orders are already available from stores such as Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Best Buy.
(Clockwise, from left) Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), Han (Sung Kang), Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel), Dom (Vin Diesel), Little Brian (Leo Abelo Perry), Abuelita (Rita Moreno), Mia (Jordana Brewster), Tej (Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, back to camera) and Roman (Tyrese Gibson, back to camera) 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:
WATCH: On the red carpet in Rome, Italy, did Vin Diesel just confirm that #FastX is the first part of a… trilogy?! Whoa! It all begins in theaters a week from today. Ready, set… go get your tickets! 🚘🎟's —> https://t.co/jO68lUJ5h6pic.twitter.com/2DiJsYkgUz
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.
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.
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.
(L to R) Jason Momoa and Vin Diesel star in ‘Fast X.’ Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures.
‘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.
Hayden Christensen from Disney+’s ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi.’
Currently streaming on Disney+ is the new six-part series from Lucasfilm entitled ‘Obi Wan Kenobi,’ which will conclude with its final episode premiering June 22nd.
Directed by ‘The Mandalorian’s Deborah Chow, the series is set ten years after the events of ‘Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith,’ and finds Kenobi hiding in exile on Tatooine. But when Darth Vader sends Sith Inquisitors to hunt down any surviving Jedi after Order 66, a young Princess Leia (Vivien Lyra Blair) is kidnapped bringing Kenobi out of hiding and off on a new adventure to save her.
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Hayden Christensen about reprising his role as Darth Vader and his work on ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi.’
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You can read our full interview below or watch the interview by clicking on the video player above.
Moviefone: To begin with, what has the fan reaction to your return been like for you personally, and when did you first know that it might be possible for you to return to the ‘Star Wars’ franchise?
Hayden Christensen: I can’t tell you how much the support from the fans has meant to me. It’s really just a very special thing to get to be a part of ‘Star Wars’ and for me to have played this character. So yeah, it just means a lot.
I never really thought I would be coming back to this character for a long time. Maybe the idea was starting to form in the back of my head a little while ago, but no, when I got the phone call to come back, it was definitely a surprise.
MF: Anakin has grown a lot in the ‘Star Wars’ mythology since the last time you played him, thanks to Animation, comic books and video games. Have you followed Anakin’s journey over the years, or did you have to Wookieepedia the character to know what he’s been through since ‘Revenge of the Sith?’
HC: Well, when I found out that I’d be playing him again, I just went back and caught up on as much as I could. I watched all of the animated work that they did. That was fascinating to get to see what they did with this character and some of the storylines and adventures that they went on. So, it just helps inform the bigger picture a little bit. It was good fun too. I really enjoyed getting to go back and watch all that stuff.
MF: Finally, can you talk about working again with Ewan McGregor, specifically on the incredible lightsaber battle you have together in the third episode of the series?
HC: Ewan and I, we actually didn’t get to practice that fight together until the day that we went to go film it. So, I was kind of doing my stuff separate, and Ewan was very busy, obviously, because he’s got so much to do in this show that he was kind of working on his own schedule. Then the morning of, we got to clash lightsabers again for the first time. It was just so much fun.
The finale of ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ will stream June 22nd on Disney+.
Directed by Deborah Chow (‘The Mandalorian’), the cast also includes Moses Ingram, Rupert Friend, Sung Kang, and Kumail Nanjiani. The result is an excellent start to a series that in its first two episodes seems more like a ‘Star Wars’ movie with a clear direction of where it’s going resulting in a satisfying television experience.
The series begins with a flashback to Order 66 as we watch a few younglings escape their deaths. Flashforward ten years later, and we are introduced to the Sith Inquisitors, Grand Inquisitor (Friend), Fifth Brother (Kang), and Reva Sevander (Ingram). They are hunting down Jedi across the galaxy, and Reva seems to have a personal vendetta against Obi-Wan Kenobi (McGregor), who is living in exile on Tatooine watching over Luke Skywalker. Soon, Reva enacts a plan to draw Kenobi out of hiding by kidnapping someone with close ties to the Jedi. Now, Obi-Wan must decide if saving that person is worth the risk of having young Skywalker revealed.
What ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ does best is tell a ‘Star Wars’ story that we haven’t seen before. For years fans have wondered how Obi-Wan got from the character McGregor played in ‘Revenge of the Sith’ to the Alec Guinness version we were introduced to in ‘A New Hope.’ If the first two episodes are any indication, fans will have their answers by the end of the series. The callbacks and use of nostalgia definitely work, and does not feel forced or merely for fan-service.
At the risk of spoiling anything, I will say there is a twist at the end of the first episode, which was unexpected and drove the plot of the second episode. One small criticism might be that it is a similar plot to season one of ‘The Mandalorian,’ but I don’t think that storyline will continue and it did help drive the story in the opening episodes. There is a fun back and forth between Kenobi and the person that he is trying to rescue, and the series plays with that dynamic well.
The Grand Inquisitor first appeared in the animated series ‘The Clone Wars’ and makes a fantastic jump to live action. The character is both scary and formidable, and played quite well by Rupert Friend. Sung Kang also gives a strong performance as the Fifth Brother but is not given as much to do in the first two episodes.
However, the breakout character of the series is definitely Reva Sevander and Moses Ingram gives a fantastic performance as the main antagonist (so far) to Obi-Wan. Her lust for revenge, and her lack of respect for the Grand Inquisitor make her an intriguing character to explore through the rest of the series.
Hayden Christensen only makes a brief appearance in the second episode, but clearly looks set for a larger role through the remaining episodes. Joel Edgerton has a few nice scenes returning as Owen Lars and is at his best standing up to both Kenobi and Reva.
Rounding out the new characters in the premiere episodes are Kumail Nanjiani as Haja, a con man who comes in contact with Kenobi. Nanjiani brings his particular brand of humor to the role and creates a character that will be interesting to see grow through the course of the series.
Director Deborah Chow, who is no stranger to ‘Star Wars’ after working on ‘The Mandalorian,’ clearly knows how to tell a grounded and exciting story set in this unique universe. While there is a lot of action and excitement in the opening episodes, there is also time for character development, especially with Reva and the title character. Chow also sets a tone that fits both the original and prequel series, as well as what they have created on Disney+ with ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘The Book of Boba Fett.’
But the series clearly belongs to Ewan McGregor, who without it would just not work. Not only is he the embodiment of Obi-Wan for generations, he is also a great actor and obviously cares about this character. He isn’t just phoning it in, he is putting on a real layered performance.
Kenobi is not the arrogant young man we met in ‘Phantom Menace’ or the confident adult we saw in ‘Attack of the Clones,’ this is an older man dealing with the mistakes of his youth. He still feels guilty about what happened to Anakin and blames himself for the fall of the Republic. That is a lot to carry, and McGregor delivers a commanding and believable performance.
In the end, ‘Obi Wan Kenobi’ is a series worthy of the character it is based on and explores fertile ground in the ‘Star Wars’ timeline. If the rest of the series is as strong as the opening episodes, fans will be extremely pleased with the outcome.
The first two episodes of ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ receives 5 out of 5 stars.
‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ premieres on Disney+ starting May 27th.
Rita Moreno in the documentary ‘Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It.’
In keeping with how most people find out about anything ‘Fast & Furious’, the most recent – and potentially most exciting – piece of casting news comes courtesy of Vin Diesel’s Instagram.
The enthusiastic actor/producer hit social media with a video announcing that none other than Oscar winner and acting legend Rita Moreno is aboard ‘Fast X’, joining the ever-growing ensemble as Dominic Toretto’s (Diesel) grandmother.
“It’s been my dream forever to work with Rita Moreno, and the fact that she’s here playing my grandmother makes my soul smile,” Diesel says in the video.
“I think my old age was waiting for you to ask me, isn’t that nice, and I’m here, the answer is yes, I’ll do it, and not only I’ll do it, I am tickled,” Moreno responds.
It’s a lovefest! Which is in stark contrast to some of the other videos shot on set of the movie, with uncomfortable-looking co-stars (and former director Justin Lin) appearing to resent having to show up on camera with Diesel.
Casting Moreno represents just the latest addition to the ‘Fast’ team for this new movie, which has already seen the likes of Brie Larson, Jason Momoa, Daniela Melchior and ‘Reacher’s Alan Ritchson making their debut in the franchise.
In addition to the regulars, ‘The Fate of the Furious’ Scott Eastwood (as the government agent codenamed Little Nobody) plus ‘F9’s Michael Rooker (as mechanic/Toretto family friend Buddy) and Cardi B (as paramilitary leader Leysa) are also all back in the fold.
Moreno, of course, needs little introduction. An actor with decades of experience, she’s also known for her singing and dancing skills. She won an Oscar for her performance as Anita in 1961’s ‘West Side Story’, and notched acclaim for appearing in Steven Spielberg’s version of the same movie last year, albeit playing a different role. She’s also an “EGOT” – having won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony. And now she could be up for the MTV Movie Awards as Coolest Granny On Film.
She’s someone Diesel has been trying to get on board for a while now. Interviewed by Variety last year, the actor and Lin discussed the idea of Dom’s mother showing up but pivoted to talk of his grandmother. “Before we get to Mother Toretto, we will get to Abuela,” Diesel says. “And the person that I’m so excited to talk about that role is Rita Moreno.’”
For her part, Moreno seemed up for it at the time. “I’m waiting for his call,” she laughed. “I think it’s a fabulous idea. I hope he puts me in black leather…” Let’s see if that last part comes true!
‘Fast X’ has had to weather some recent drama, with Lin stepping away from the movie, to be replaced by Louis Leterrier. The switch has caused a brief shutdown in production, but the movie is back up and shooting now.
With luck, ‘Fast X’ will still be speeding into theaters on May 19th next year.
‘Fast X’ Logo. Courtesy of Vin Diesel’s Instagram account.
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Directed by ‘The Mandalorian’s Deborah Chow, the series is set ten years after the events of ‘Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith,’ and features Kenobi hiding on Tatooine in exile protecting a young Luke Skywalker (Grant Feely). But when Darth Vader (Hayden Christensen) sets up the Sith Inquisitors program to hunt down any surviving Jedi after Order 66, Kenobi leaves Tatooine to embark on a new adventure.
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with director Deborah Chow about her work on ‘Obie Wan Kenobi.’
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You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with director Deborah Chow, Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, and Moses Ingram.
Moviefone: To begin with, can you talk about how your work on ‘The Mandalorian’ prepared you to direct this series?
Deborah Chow: My work on ‘The Mandalorian’, that whole experience, honestly, it felt pivotal to being able to do ‘Kenobi.’ Not only because I got introduced to ‘Star Wars’ and learned ‘Star Wars’ with people like Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau, but also just learning the practicality of it. How to do a creature, how they move, and just learning so much of how that world operates.
The other thing that, honestly, was very pivotal was the technology. We used stagecraft and the volume on the first season of ‘Mando,’ and it was something I was incredibly excited to continue doing on ‘Kenobi.’
MF: What can you tease fans about the journey that Obi-Wan will take throughout this series?
DC: I think one of the biggest questions that we were looking at when we were developing this series was how did Kenobi go from the end of ‘Revenge of the Sith,’ standing on the banks of Mustafar, screaming and thinking he killed Anakin, to the calm peace of Sir Alec Guinness in ‘A New Hope,’ and obviously, something did happen in the character’s arc. So really for us, that was largely why we felt we had a story to tell.
MF: What was it like working with Ewan McGregor and watching him reprise this iconic role?
DC: Ewan was the best. Honestly, he is the show. There obviously is no show without Ewan. He was very much a creative partner on the show. So, he’s been there through every stage with me. It’s been pretty amazing because not only does he know this character so incredibly well, but he’s also at a different point in his life at the same time, we’re trying to do this character at a different point in his life. So, it was essential to have him be really part of the creative in developing it.
MF: Can you also talk about bringing Hayden Christensen back as Darth Vader and working with him on a character he first played twenty years ago?
DC: It’s an interesting thing. You don’t get this opportunity very often that you’re bringing characters back from a franchise and where they’ve been in a trilogy together, and then so many years have passed. So, I think for a lot of them, and also with Joel and Bonnie coming back to do their roles was the same thing. It’s so interesting because they’ve lived with these characters for so long, even in just the public eye and perception in their lives. So, to come back, it ended up feeling very special, and it felt very emotional. There’s a lot of personal feelings involved in it as well.
MF: Finally, with a character as iconic as Darth Vader, as a director, how do you do something fresh and new with a character that we all grew up with?
DC: Well, I think one of the most interesting things for us was that this is Darth Vader, but this is a Darth Vader at a different point in his life. That’s something that’s very interesting because he’s not the exact same character that he was in the prequels nor in the original trilogy. So, we’re doing him in midlife when he’s between these two trilogies. So, that was something that was really, really interesting to explore.
‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ begins streaming May 27th on Disney+.
‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ premieres on Disney+ starting May 27th.
