The Fast & Furious franchise faces a major setback after director Justin Lin steps out as director for the Fast X, the tenth film of the franchise. Supposedly, Lin is set to helm the last two final films for the franchise, however, just after 10 days after filming began, Lin unexpectedly departed the franchise.
According to Lin, his departure from the franchise was 'difficult' but had to make the decision due to 'creative differences.'
See director Justin Lin's full statement below (via Deadline):
"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."
However, a new report by Richard Johnson of NY Daily News claims that Lin left as a director because of Vin Diesel's 'difficult' behavior.
A veteran producer not involved with the franchise spoke, “I’ve never seen anything like it. Lin’s giving up $10 or $20 million." "Diesel shows up late to the set. He doesn’t know his lines. And he shows up out of shape," Johnson's source said.
The unknown source also added, “No one is dissing Vin Diesel on the record, but everyone knows.”
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who departed the franchise five years ago and instead joined Fast & Furious spinoff Hobbs & Shaw said at that time, “Some conduct themselves as stand-up men and true professionals, while others don’t," which reveals the production isn't as good as what it seems.
For now, Universal Studios is still looking for a new director. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the budget for the new director costs $600,000 to $1 Million per day and includes The Fate of the Furious filmmaker F. Gary Gray and Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw creator David Leitch.
Fast X will see Vin Diesel as Dominic Torreto together with the renowned cast, including Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Sung Kang, Jordana Brewster, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Charlize Theron. New additions to the ensemble cast feature Captain Marvel's Brie Larson, Aquaman's Jason Momoa, and The Suicide Squad's Daniela Melchior.
Fast X is pushing a 2023 release date.
Also Read: The Incredible Hulk's Louis Leterrier Emerges as the Top Favorite to Be the New Fast X Director
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