What’s the most popular cinematic franchise in the world right now? The answer seems murkier than it did two years ago. The formerly preeminent “Star Wars” universe has shifted to episodic TV with Disney+ series like “Andor” and “The Mandalorian.” Meanwhile, Marvel Entertainment’s movie empire slumped a bit in 2022 despite decent turnouts for “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”
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That means the road is clear for Dom Torretto and a cohort of speed demons to burn rubber all the way to the bank with “Fast X,” the tenth installment and eleventh overall film in the “Fast and Furious” franchise.
Reportedly the first of a two-part conclusion to the street racing saga, “Fast X” features the return of star and series engine Vin Diesel alongside supporting players Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Jordana Brewster, and John Cena. Also reprising their roles are Scott Eastwood, Michael Rooker, Charlize Theron as mastermind cyberterrorist Cipher, Helen Mirren as militia leader Magdalene, and Cardi B as Leysa, a member of Magdalene’s crew.
The plot this time around introduces Jason Momoa as Dante, an eccentric villain who teams up with Cipher to take down Dom. According to Momoa, he attempted to play against type and rely less on machismo in portraying Dante. Other splashy cast additions include Brie Larson as Tess, an ally to Torretto, and Rita Moreno as Dom’s grandmother.
Though the movie is sure to draw interest given the franchise’s worldwide popularity, its production has been notably troubled. Original director Justin Lin, who also helmed five other “Fast” movies, quit the project shortly after filming commenced and was replaced by Louis Leterrier (“Now You See Me”). In the meantime, the budget grew to an estimated $340 million, making it one of the most expensive films ever produced. It’s unclear if the movie will be a big enough hit to satisfy studio accountants, but last year’s healthy box office numbers are an encouraging sign that audiences will flock to theaters for a bona fide crowd-pleaser.
“Fast X” crashes into theaters on May 19. Watch the first trailer below. UPDATE: Universal has released another trailer.
