Director Justin Lin made huge waves last night when it was announced he was officially exiting “Fast X“ days after production had already started with new additions to the franchise including actors such as Jason Momoa (“Aquaman“), Oscar-winner Brie Larson (“Captain Marvel“), and “The Suicide Squad” breakout Daniela Melchior.
Insider is now adding to that news as the filmmaker won’t be returning for “Fast & Furious 11” either, as the tenth pic was split into two films with the second part acting as the final pic in the main “Fast” saga.
This means that Universal Pictures will have to seek a replacement for two films, not just one.
Writers from THR say franchise alumni such as David Leitch and F. Gary Gray are being considered as replacements, but Leitch is looking to direct Ryan Gosling next in the “Fall Guy.” Then again, the two projects could be split between both of them based on schedules.
Lin has directed multiple films in the “Fast” saga starting with “Tokyo Drift” and has been essentially the creative force that helped reinvent the franchise and move away from simply being about youngsters who are into street racing.
Interestingly enough, Lin had been attached to direct a “Hot Wheels” movie for Warner Bros. going back to 2016 and the project recently added J.J. Abrams as a producer via Bad Robot. The two have worked together in the past on “Star Trek Beyond,” which Lin directed after Abrams helmed the first two installments of the sci-fi adventure reboot.
Could “Hot Wheels” seemingly being back on track have played a role in Lin’s exit? That remains to be seen but if Lin was committed to the next two ‘Fast’ movies it would have certainly caused headaches for Warners and jeopardized his involvement as a director. That’s if he’s still willing to make it.