Alright, fam, gather ’round! If you’re anything like us, the Fast & Furious franchise isn’t just a series of movies; it’s a way of life. For over two decades, Dominic Toretto and his crew have been taking us on a wild ride, pushing the limits of physics and loyalty, all while reminding us that nothing is stronger than family. So, when Fast X roared onto screens in 2023, you *know* we were ready for it. This isn’t just another installment; it’s the tenth main film and the eleventh overall in this epic saga, serving as the thrilling first part of a two-part finale!
Fast X truly delivered on its promise of high-stakes action and deeply personal drama, grabbing audiences by the steering wheel from its Rome premiere on May 12, 2023, to its worldwide release just a week later. Directed by Louis Leterrier, with a screenplay from Dan Mazeau and Justin Lin, it’s a cinematic spectacle that had us on the edge of our seats. While critics had some mixed reviews, everyone, and we mean everyone, was buzzing about those incredible action sequences and Jason Momoa’s truly unforgettable performance. It even zoomed its way to become the fifth-highest-grossing film of 2023, raking in a cool $714 million globally!
But beyond the box office numbers and critical praise, there’s so much more to unpack about this adrenaline-fueled flick. We’re talking about the star power, the incredible stunts, and all the juicy behind-the-scenes drama that made Fast X the unforgettable experience it was. Get ready to dive deep into everything you need to know about the latest chapter in Dom’s journey, because trust us, it’s a ride you won’t want to miss.
1. **The Epic Premise: Family Under Siege**
This time around, Dom Toretto faces his most personal threat yet, proving that when you’ve built a global family, you also inherit a global list of enemies. The plot kicks off with Dom and his crew being asked by the Agency to snag a computer chip in Rome. But plot twist! Dom and Letty wisely decide to stay behind with their son, Brian “Little B” Marcos, sending Roman, Tej, Han, and Ramsey instead. Good thing too, because a wounded Cipher then shows up at their door, revealing that Hernan Reyes’s son, Dante, has turned her own crew against her and is now targeting Dom. This isn’t just about a computer chip; it’s Dante’s calculated revenge for his father’s death and the loss of his family’s fortune from a decade ago. Talk about a long-held grudge!
The mission in Rome, which Dom and Letty initially believed was for the Agency, turns out to be a cleverly orchestrated setup by Dante. They race to Rome, only to find Tej and Ramsey breaking into what they thought was a truck carrying a chip, but it’s actually a DM-79 sub-nautical neutron mine! Dante, ever the theatrical villain, remotely controls the truck, activating and releasing the bomb onto the streets. In a classic Dom move, he heroically pushes the bomb into the Tiber River, minimizing the damage, but Letty gets apprehended by the police. Meanwhile, Aimes, the Agency’s new de facto leader, mistakenly blames Dom and his team, launching a massive manhunt.
Director Louis Leterrier perfectly articulated the core of Fast X, explaining it delves into the “fallout of Dom’s actions in previous installments.” He noted that while Dom has always fought to keep faith and protect his family, there’s a steep price to pay when your past catches up with you. The stakes are profoundly personal now, as Dom is “responsible for a human being, an innocent life [he] brought into the world.” Nathalie Emmanuel, who plays Ramsey, echoed this sentiment, revealing that in Fast X, “the stakes are higher on a more personal level,” giving the film a more grounded and intense emotional core compared to previous high-flying adventures.
2. **The Star-Studded Lineup: Who’s Back and Who’s New?**
One of the greatest joys of any Fast & Furious movie is seeing the sprawling, ever-growing family reunite, and Fast X certainly didn’t disappoint. Vin Diesel, of course, returned as the patriarch, Dominic Toretto, alongside the fierce Michelle Rodriguez as Letty Ortiz. We also welcomed back fan-favorites like Tyrese Gibson as Roman Pearce, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges as Tej Parker, John Cena as Jakob Toretto (who’s now a reformed, loving uncle!), Nathalie Emmanuel as Ramsey (with increased involvement!), Jordana Brewster as Mia Toretto, and Sung Kang as Han Lue, proving that some deaths just don’t stick in this franchise! Scott Eastwood returned as Little Nobody, Helen Mirren as the formidable Magdalene “Queenie” Ellmanson-Shaw, Jason Statham as Deckard Shaw, and Charlize Theron as the chilling cyberterrorist Cipher. What a roster!
But wait, there’s more! Fast X truly upped the ante with some incredible new additions to the Fast family. We were introduced to Daniela Melchior as Isabel Neves, a Brazilian street racer and the sister of Dom’s former flame, Elena. Alan Ritchson joined as Aimes, the new Agency leader with a secret agenda, whose early drafts even considered him to be Dante’s brother! Brie Larson became an instant fan-favorite as Tess Petty, Mr. Nobody’s daughter and an agent who allies with Dom, with Diesel revealing Larson drew inspiration from his own daughter for the role. Larson herself called Fast & Furious her “dream franchise,” admitting she’d been “begging to be in this for years.” And the legendary Rita Moreno graced the screen as Abuelita Toretto, Dom, Jakob, and Mia’s paternal grandmother, with Leterrier calling her the “guiding light” and “conscience” for Dom, a role her grandson actually pitched!
And let’s not forget those mind-blowing, uncredited cameos that sent shockwaves through the fandom! Gal Gadot reprised her role as Gisele Yashar, who was previously presumed dead, and Dwayne Johnson made a surprise return as Luke Hobbs in the mid-credits scene, igniting speculation for future installments. Joaquim de Almeida also returned as Hernan Reyes in flashbacks, and Leo Abelo Perry charmed us all as Little B. We even got special appearances from Brazilian singer Ludmilla, Pete Davidson, Paul Walker in flashback scenes, and his daughter Meadow as a flight attendant! This ensemble truly made Fast X a who’s who of Hollywood, sparking debates among critics about how well the film could serve such a massive cast.
3. **Jason Momoa as Dante Reyes: The “Anti-Dom” We Didn’t Know We Needed**
Every great hero needs an equally formidable villain, and Fast X delivered in spades with Jason Momoa’s electrifying portrayal of Dante Reyes. As the son of drug lord Hernan Reyes, Dante is driven by a decade-long quest for revenge against Dom and his crew for his father’s demise and the loss of their immense fortune in Fast Five. This guy isn’t just evil; he’s got style, flair, and a whole lot of chaotic energy. Momoa himself described Dante as Dom’s ultimate foil, calling him “very sadistic and androgynous and he’s a bit of a peacock… He’s got a lot of issues. He’s definitely got some daddy issues.” You know, just your average family drama, but with more explosions and global chases!
Director Louis Leterrier absolutely hit it out of the park when he set out to create the “anti-Dom,” aiming for a character that was the “yang of [Dom’s] yin, the antichrist of his Christ.” He wanted Dante to have incredibly clear motivations, deeply rooted in Dom’s past actions, emphasizing that strong ties between hero and villain make for an “amazing villain because you understand why they became this and [their motivations].” This focus on Dante’s backstory truly elevated the character beyond a typical antagonist, making him a complex and compelling force. And get this: Momoa, known for his macho roles, deliberately played against type, taking on a “less macho” character, and impressively performed all his own stunts!
The buzz around Momoa’s performance was undeniable, with Leterrier declaring Dante an “incredible new character. It’s 1,000 per cent Momoa.” Michelle Rodriguez, who’s seen her fair share of villains in the franchise, couldn’t stop praising him either, noting that Dante is “malicious, but he can be playful. It’s like fresh energy. There’s something charming about him.” She even went as far as to label Dante the best male villain in the franchise, describing him as “revenge with a smirk.” Fun fact: Momoa was initially a bit apprehensive about the filming conditions due to reports of conflict between Diesel and Lin, but his desire to play against type ultimately sealed the deal. And honestly, we’re so glad it did!
4. **The Jaw-Dropping Budget: Making Movie History**
When we talk about the Fast & Furious franchise, we’re not just talking about fast cars; we’re talking about *big* money. Fast X truly set a new bar, securing its place in cinematic history as the fourth-most expensive film ever made! The estimated net production budget soared to an astonishing $378.8 million, an evolution from its initial reported budget of $300 million in May 2022, which was then revised to $340 million by November. This isn’t just pocket change; this is a testament to the colossal scale and ambition behind bringing Dom’s latest adventure to the big screen.
So, where did all that cash go? A significant chunk, a cool $100 million, reportedly went straight into the cast’s pockets for their involvement, with Vin Diesel alone taking home a hefty $20 million. But it wasn’t just about star power; production costs were significantly impacted by global inflation and the necessary charges for COVID-19 safety protocols. An estimated $22.6 million was spent on production staff alone, peaking at 211 people, not even counting the numerous freelancers and agency workers who form the backbone of a film crew.
In a fascinating twist, a Forbes report in April 2024 revealed the grand total Universal spent on Fast X was actually $453.6 million, which would have made it the *most* expensive film of all time! However, a whopping $74 million tax reimbursement from the UK government for staging production in the country brought the net cost down to that $378.8 million figure. Talk about financial acrobatics! Interestingly, unnamed sources reported to Radar that Vin Diesel was “stressed” over the increased budget and creative decisions, with Universal reportedly seeing him as “simultaneously the greatest star [they’ve] had and their biggest headache.” It just goes to show, even with a budget this massive, the Fast & Furious ride is always a wild one, both on and off screen.
5. **Behind the Scenes Drama: The Director Switcheroo**
Every high-octane production has its share of bumps in the road, but Fast X truly had some shocking behind-the-scenes drama that left everyone buzzing. Initially, Justin Lin, the mastermind who directed five previous films in the franchise, was set to return to helm Fast X. The official title was even revealed when principal photography kicked off in April 2022, and everything seemed to be on track for another legendary installment.
However, just a week after filming began, Lin dramatically exited the director’s chair, citing “creative differences.” While he graciously retained his writing and producing credits, reports quickly surfaced alleging intense clashes on set with none other than Vin Diesel himself. Diesel was purportedly out of shape, frequently late, and struggled to remember his lines, causing significant friction. Lin was reportedly also upset with last-minute rewrites to his screenplay, sudden changes in filming locations, and the fact that one of the film’s main villains hadn’t even been cast yet! The disagreement between Lin and Diesel allegedly escalated to a point where Lin reportedly shouted, “This movie is not worth my mental health.” Yikes! He even forewent a cool $10–20 million in pay upon his departure.
This sudden departure plunged production into a temporary stall, costing Universal Pictures a reported $1 million *a day* to pause filming while they scrambled for a replacement. Other Fast & Furious directors like F. Gary Gray, David Leitch, and James Wan were considered, but their existing commitments ruled them out. Ultimately, a week after Lin’s exit, Louis Leterrier was announced as his replacement. Leterrier, who had an established relationship with Universal (he directed The Incredible Hulk!) and was already a Fast & Furious super-fan, even watched the original film with Jason Statham back in 2001! Though he initially rejected the offer, calling it a “massive” task, Leterrier stepped in, even performing uncredited rewrites to the entire screenplay on his initial travel to set and using many of Lin’s original contributions to complete the film. Michelle Rodriguez even revealed that a major fight sequence between her and Charlize Theron was shot *without a principal director* while negotiations were still ongoing! Talk about dedication!
6. **Globetrotting Grandeur: Where in the World is Fast X?**
The Fast & Furious franchise has always been a passport to epic locations, and Fast X continued this grand tradition, jet-setting across the globe to bring us some truly breathtaking action sequences. Filming for this installment lasted until August, with key locations including the iconic cities of London, Rome, Turin, Lisbon, and of course, Los Angeles. Each city brought its own unique flavor and challenges to the massive production.
London wrapped up its production by mid-August, with scenes primarily shot at the legendary Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden. Then, it was off to Rome for two weeks in mid-May and another week in mid-July. Imagine the scenes shot at the historic Via Cristoforo Colombo, the scenic Lungotevere, the majestic Via dei Fori Imperiali, and around landmarks like Ponte Umberto I, Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II, the Castel Sant’Angelo, and even the Spanish Steps! If you saw a car chase through ancient Roman streets, you know they pulled out all the stops.
Turin was another major player, hosting action sequences between May 24 and June 6 at locations like Piazza Crimea, Corso Fiume, Murazzi del Po, Via Roma, and Piazza IV Marzo. Getting this done was no small feat; it required a five-month planning schedule involving local authorities, the Film Commission Torino Piemonte, and city councilors just to manage drone overflights and traffic limitations! It wasn’t just about the shots, though. Filming in Turin generated a whopping €3.8 million for the local economy, thanks to expenses like location rent, hospitality, technical staff, and security. Similarly, in Portugal (Lisbon, Almada, Viseu, and Vila Real), a producer confirmed a “brutal economic investment,” noting that film investments often double the tax incentives given to productions, benefiting the local economy immensely. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing; filming in Angelino Heights (the Toretto house location) even faced protests from residents concerned about increased street racing in their neighborhood!
7. **Wheels of Fury: The Iconic Cars (and Electric Surprises!)**
You can’t talk Fast & Furious without talking about the cars, and Fast X truly delivered a vehicle lineup that would make any gearhead’s heart race! This film made history as the very first in the series to feature electric cars, a sign of the times, perhaps? Leaked set photos gave us a glimpse of the sleek 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Banshee Concept and the futuristic, gull-winged DeLorean Alpha5. And don’t worry, the classics were there too: the 2022 TorRed Dodge Charger R/T, the 2023 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye, and of course, Dom’s ultimate ride, the iconic 1970 Charger R/T, which is practically a character itself in the franchise.
Fans went wild when it was reported that the beloved orange and black Veilside Mazda RX-7 FD Fortune, first seen in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, would be making a glorious return. The inclusion of the electric Dodge Chargers was later confirmed in the first trailer, with the “Greys of Thunder” Dodge Charger Daytona SRT also appearing in promotional materials. Dodge has a long-standing marketing partnership with the Fast & Furious franchise, and they clearly kept it going strong! But it wasn’t just American muscle; the film also showcased a stunning array of foreign-made beauties like the Lamborghini Gallardo, Alfa Romeo 159, Nissan Silvia, Porsche 911 997 GT3 RS, Pagani Huayra Tricolore, and the Datsun 240Z.
And for a touch of classic American flair, we saw the Chevrolet Impala, El Camino, and even a Lenco BearCat Armoured Vehicle, alongside the 1966 Ford Fairlane. Get this: according to vehicle coordinator Dennis McCarthy, who’s been with the franchise since Tokyo Drift, each significant car on screen required around seven duplicates! This meant an estimated 200 cars were custom-built to race-car standards just for the insane stunt work. Jason Momoa even revealed he personally contacted the CEO of Harley-Davidson to secure six motorcycles for his character, including a modified Harley-Davidson Pan America he’s seen riding throughout the film. So whether you’re into classic muscle, cutting-edge electric, or tricked-out bikes, Fast X had a ride for everyone!
8. **Shocking Character Returns: The Ghosts of the Fast Family Past**
Okay, prepare yourselves, because Fast X pulled some serious fast ones when it came to bringing back familiar faces! Just when you thought you knew the rules of the Fast & Furious universe (hint: there are none!), Gal Gadot reprised her role as Gisele Yashar. Yes, the character previously presumed dead popped up from a submarine in Antarctica to rescue Letty and Cipher. Talk about a comeback! This surprise appearance even ignited a bit of a debate among fans and critics, with some calling it “ineffective” fan service that messes with the story, while others cheered for the return of a popular character.
But wait, there’s more! The king himself, Dwayne Johnson, made a jaw-dropping return as Luke Hobbs in the mid-credits scene, sending shockwaves through the fandom and setting the stage for future installments. You thought his beef with Diesel meant he was gone for good? Think again! And if that wasn’t enough, Joaquim de Almeida returned as Hernan Reyes in flashbacks, reminding us of the original villain’s impact, and Luis Da Silva reprised his role as Diogo. These uncredited cameos truly made the film a reunion of epic proportions, proving that in this franchise, no one is ever truly gone, just… on a very long road trip.
Vin Diesel himself reasoned that Gadot’s return had been planned for previous installments, with some unused cameos even filmed, and that her inclusion in Fast X “fit the film.” He also spilled the tea that “doing tags is tricky because you want great talent, but at the same time you have to be very careful to maintain the emotional state of your audience.” Well, consider our emotional states well and truly *shaken*!
9. **The Mind-Blowing Cliffhanger: Did That Just Happen?!**
If you walked out of Fast X feeling like your jaw was on the floor, you’re not alone. Director Louis Leterrier wasn’t shy about confirming that the film would end on a massive cliffhanger, and boy, did it deliver! The stakes were absolutely off the charts, with Dom and Little B cornered and Dante triggering explosives planted on a dam, seemingly sealing their fate. It left us screaming “NOOOOO!” at the screen, desperately craving the next chapter.
Michelle Rodriguez, bless her heart, gave us a heads-up, hinting at the wild ride to come. She said, “You’re going to feel so cheated in a way, but then so gratified and excited about what’s to come.” She even reiterated this, saying the ending would “leave people really surprised, and we’re going to get open mouths at the end. In the theater, I was like, ‘Oh my god. What have we done?!'” Yep, that sounds about right! Leterrier even teased character deaths, saying, “The beauty of the end of this franchise is understanding these characters will not live forever.” Talk about dialing up the drama!
This intense ending wasn’t just for shock value; it was a deliberate move to amp up the anticipation for the grand finale. Leterrier noted, “Only in Westerns do cowboys gallop out into the sunset. This is different; the stakes are even higher than they’ve been before.” He also hinted that a “war brewing” between characters would lead to “tremendous casualties,” making the suspense even more unbearable.
10. **Evolving Family Dynamics: More Than Just Blood**
The beating heart of the Fast & Furious franchise has always been family, and in Fast X, those dynamics got a serious shake-up, evolving in ways we didn’t see coming. Dom, the ultimate patriarch, found his responsibilities elevated to a new level as he fought to protect his son, Brian “Little B” Marcos. Leterrier emphasized this, explaining that Dom, who was once a “lone wolf,” now had “real stakes” as he was “responsible for a human being, an innocent life [he] brought into the world.” This truly grounded the film’s emotional core.
We also saw incredible growth from Jakob Toretto, Dom and Mia’s brother, who transformed from a villain in *F9* into a reformed, loving uncle. His ultimate sacrifice to save Dom and Little B wasn’t just a tear-jerker; it was a powerful culmination of his character arc. Leterrier even considered killing Jakob off early due to his villainous past, but ultimately felt the stakes of his death were crucial to the story. What a journey for Jakob, right?
New additions like Brie Larson’s Tess Petty, Mr. Nobody’s daughter, brought fresh perspectives, serving as a “bridge” who allies with Dom and his crew, believing in the legacy her father set up. And let’s not forget the legendary Rita Moreno as Abuelita Toretto, Dom, Jakob, and Mia’s paternal grandmother. Leterrier called her the “guiding light” and “conscience” for Dom, one of the people who “keep him grounded.” With a “war brewing” and “people are going to need to take sides,” these evolving alliances and deeply personal stakes made the family theme richer and more complex than ever before.
11. **Retconned Origin Story: Reyes’s Revenge, Revisited**
Get ready to have your mind blown, because Fast X pulled a brilliant narrative trick by retconning or, as director Louis Leterrier put it, “Rashomon’ed” the events of *Fast Five*. This wasn’t just a simple flashback; it was an entire re-experience of the vault heist from the perspective of Hernan Reyes, Dante’s father. This genius move allowed the filmmakers to “explore the price of justice,” guiding the audience to “rethink everything they’ve experienced in the franchise.
Leterrier explained that this re-contextualization was essential for creating an “amazing villain” in Dante. He noted, “a good antagonist has their own truth, separate from the protagonists,” giving Dante’s decade-long quest for revenge a deeply personal and understandable motivation rooted directly in Dom’s past actions. It’s not just about a bad guy doing bad things; it’s about understanding *why* he’s doing them, connecting the dots back to Dom and Brian as the “thieves” in Reyes’s eyes.
This narrative device allowed Fast X to seamlessly touch on each previous installment, with Leterrier stating, “The snowball of Dom’s actions has picked up speed and become an avalanche.” It reinforced the idea that every action has a consequence, and Dom’s past, no matter how heroic, would inevitably catch up to him. Fun fact: Leterrier revealed that *Fast Five* is actually his favorite film in the franchise, which makes this retcon even more of a love letter to the series’ roots.
12. **Box Office Triumphs: A Global Phenomenon**
You know a Fast & Furious movie isn’t just a film; it’s a global event, and Fast X certainly lived up to the hype, absolutely crushing it at the box office. This adrenaline-fueled flick roared onto screens with its Rome premiere on May 12, 2023, and hit theaters worldwide just a week later on May 19 by Universal Pictures. And the results? Nothing short of spectacular!
Fast X zoomed its way to an impressive $714.4 million globally. This massive earning secured its spot as the fifth-highest-grossing film of 2023, proving once again the enduring power and appeal of Dominic Toretto and his crew. Despite its eye-watering production budget of $378.8 million (making it the fourth-most expensive film ever made!), the film managed to pull in serious cash, showcasing the franchise’s unwavering popularity with audiences around the world.
These numbers aren’t just about money; they reflect the incredible dedication of fans who flocked to theaters, ready for another dose of high-octane action and family drama. It’s a testament to the franchise’s ability to consistently deliver spectacle on a grand scale, drawing in crowds eager to witness the latest physics-defying stunts and emotional storylines.
13. **Mixed Critical Reception: Hits, Misses, and Momoa’s Magic**
Alright, let’s talk about how the critics felt about Fast X, because it was a bit of a mixed bag, which, honestly, is pretty typical for a franchise that constantly pushes the boundaries of cinematic realism. The film received “mixed reviews from critics,” a phrase that often means some parts were brilliant, and others… well, maybe not so much. But here’s the good news: there was definite praise for its “action sequences” and, of course, Jason Momoa’s absolutely electrifying performance as Dante Reyes.
Momoa truly stole the show, with Leterrier himself declaring Dante an “incredible new character. It’s 1,000 per cent Momoa.” Michelle Rodriguez even went as far as to call him the “best male villain in the franchise,” describing him as “revenge with a smirk.” So, while some elements of the film’s writing drew “criticism,” it seems the consensus was that if you came for mind-blowing stunts and a captivating villain, Fast X delivered in spades.
The discussions among critics also touched on the sheer size of the cast, with some wondering if the film could “serve every character in a satisfying way.” Ryan Northrup of Screen Rant noted that with such a “large cast,” it was “uncertain whether Fast X will be able to serve [every] character in a satisfying way,” fearing that “new characters aren’t given much screen time or development.” This highlights the challenge of balancing an ever-expanding ensemble while maintaining narrative coherence.
14. **The Franchise’s Electrifying Future: What’s Next for Dom’s Crew?**
So, where do we go from here after that earth-shattering cliffhanger? The future of the Fast & Furious franchise is officially “electrifying,” with a sequel already in development that reportedly serves as the “final main installment” and is scheduled to be released in April 2027. That’s right, we’re building towards an epic conclusion, and we are *so* ready!
Louis Leterrier has been dropping hints that have us on the edge of our seats, noting that “the snowball of Dom’s actions has picked up speed and become an avalanche.” This suggests that the consequences of Dom’s past are all converging, promising an even more intense and personal finale. He’s also teased that “the beauty of the end of this franchise is understanding these characters will not live forever,” implying that “there will be some tremendous casualties.” Yikes!
And let’s not forget the enduring legacy of Paul Walker’s character, Brian O’Conner. Leterrier confirmed, “Brian is very much alive in this franchise,” with archival footage from previous films being used in Fast X’s flashback sequence. Michelle Rodriguez stressed the importance of having the “blessing of some sort” from Walker’s family to continue his presence, as “without that kind of love from them, we would be lost.” Vin Diesel echoed this, saying Universal made a “bold, righteous, and daring decision to keep Brian O’Connor alive” and that he “couldn’t imagine this saga ending without truly saying goodbye to Brian.” So, get ready, because the ride isn’t over yet, and it’s going to be one for the history books!
And there you have it, folks – a full deep dive into the adrenaline-pumping, heart-stopping world of Fast X! From its mind-bending plot twists to its jaw-dropping returns, this film wasn’t just another ride; it was a testament to a franchise that continues to defy expectations, gravity, and sometimes, even death itself. As Dom Toretto and his family navigate the treacherous road ahead, one thing is for sure: the Fast & Furious saga is far from over, and we’re buckling up for whatever electrifying twists and turns come next. The engine’s still roaring, and the family’s still together (mostly!), so prepare for the ultimate ride into the sunset, or perhaps, a dramatic sunrise. Until then, stay fast, stay furious, and never forget: nothing is stronger than family.
