Does The Fast and the Furious have enough gas left in the tank for one last ride? Look, it’s a pretty safe bet—this is one of the most successful action franchises of the modern era, with only John Wick and Mission: Impossible offering any competition. But we’ll find out for sure when Fast X hoons into cinemas on May 19.
A new movie means a new villain! But, as is often the case in this series, he’s really an old villain. His grudge against Vin Diesel’s Dominic Toretto and the family was born out of the events of Fast Five, when his drug lord dad met his demise at the hands of Dom and the crew. But we’re burning the lede a little bit: the big news is our baddie-of-the-moment is being played by affable man-mountain Jason Momoa, who looks like he’s having the time of his life.
Also in the mix are returning cast members Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jordana Brewster, John Cena, Jason Statham, Sung Kang, Scott Eastwood, Helen Mirren, and Charlize Theron, plus newcomers Brie Larson, Rita Moreno, Alan Ritchson and Daniela Melchior. These flicks have always boasted impressive ensembles, as it seems everyone in Hollywood is keen to ride with the Torettos.
Still, Fast X has been a somewhat troubled production, with series mainstay Justin Lin handing the directing reins over to Louis Leterrier early in production. Looking at the trailer, all the requisite car chases, crashes, explosions, and operatic drama seem present and correct. But will me miss Lin’s hand on the wheel, given he’s directed a whopping five films in the franchise so far? He’s the man responsible for transforming what was once a modest street racing drama into the globetrotting action juggernaut we know and love today. Let’s hope so—it’d be a shame if it conked out in the last mile.
