Info in Movie News | Fast & Furious isn’t slowing down just yet. Despite being over two decades old, the franchise is gearing up for one final lap with Fast & Furious 11, and if Vin Diesel gets his way, it’ll be a return to the series’ roots. The longtime star confirmed over the weekend that the upcoming finale is eyeing an April 2027 release, and he’s making sure it hits all the right notes.
According to Variety, Diesel appeared at Fuel Fest in Pomona, California, a major car culture event where he was joined by co-stars Tyrese Gibson and Cody Walker. During a brief on-stage moment, Diesel revealed that Universal Pictures requested an April 2027 release window. He agreed, but only on three conditions, “First, bring the franchise back to L.A. Second, bring back the car culture, the street racing. Third, reunite Dom and Brian O’Conner.”
The third demand, of course, sent fans into a frenzy. Brian O’Conner, who was represented by the late Paul Walker, is one of the original and most loved characters of the movie series. Walker was suddenly and unfortunately killed in a car accident in 2013, right when the shooting of Furious 7 was started. The movie not only digitally recreated his scenes using stand-ins, but also concluded with a very touching farewell that goes on and on in the fans' hearts.
Out of-screen, Brian has thus been depicted as leading a life that has been kept “alive” within the story. A life of serenity along with Mia (Jordana Brewster) and their kids. Some minor gestures of his character such as the decision of the name of Dom’s boy to “Brian” or little references of him being “off the grid” have been scattered all the time throughout the sequels. But he hasn’t physically appeared since that final drive.
So, what does Diesel’s comment actually mean? Is Universal planning to digitally recreate Paul Walker again using CGI or even AI? Will his brothers, who previously stood in for him, return to help craft one last appearance? Or is this simply a metaphorical “reunion,” one where Brian’s presence is felt rather than seen?
Whatever the situation, it is evident that Diesel wants to end the series with a legacy. By returning the story to Los Angeles and emphasizing the car culture, Diesel is clearly changing the direction of the franchise from the more and more international, and high-octane action parts to the last one. Recent entries have featured everything from submarines to space missions, far removed from the illegal street racing scene where it all began.
The last installment, Fast X, hit theaters in May 2023. While it received mixed reviews (sitting at 56% on Rotten Tomatoes), it managed to gross over $700 million worldwide despite its massive $340 million budget. Featuring a stacked cast that included Jason Momoa, Brie Larson, John Cena, and a surprise cameo from Dwayne Johnson, the movie was originally promoted as the first of a two-part finale. With the 2027 date now looming, it’s still unclear how Fast 11 will pick up where Fast X left off.
If there’s one thing Fast & Furious has always delivered, it’s spectacle, with heart. And if the franchise truly is heading into its final stretch, then giving Brian O’Conner one last ride may be the only way to make that finish line count.
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