Justin Lin Feels “Nothing But Love” For The Cast Of ‘Fast & Furious’ Franchise After Abrupt Departure Before ‘Fast X’

While the “Fast & Furious” franchise has seen directors come and go over the course of more than 10 films, Justin Lin is often thought of as the one filmmaker to really cement his legacy with the films, directing five of the features. He was set to direct the final two films in the main ‘Fast’ series of films, also, but right before production was to begin on “Fast X,” he abruptly departed the project. At the time, reports circulated about drama behind the scenes, but to this day, it’s still a little unclear what happened between Lin and the producers of the franchise that would lead to his departure. And now, more than a year later, the filmmaker isn’t really interested in spilling the tea, so to speak.

READ MORE: ‘Fast X’: Director Louis Leterrier Says He Accepted The Job & Only Had 4 Days To Rewrite The Entire Script

In a discussion on the Happy. Sad. Confused. watchalong of “Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift,” Justin Lin was asked about any “lessons learned” regarding his time on “Fast X.” And while he could have very well talked about the details that led to his departure, Lin was more interested in talking about how much love he has for the ‘Fast’ universe and the characters that inhabit it. 

“I look back now, and it’s been a year-and-a-half, and there’s nothing but love for the cast. I know everyone jokes about ‘family, family, family,’ but that’s how I feel,” said Lin. “This is a crazy business, and to be able to go through 15 to 18 years with your group of people and to be able to grow together, it’s very special.”

He added, “I’d rather have the characters speak for the franchise, you know? So I think whatever happened, it shouldn’t be important… Whatever they needed, I just wanted to be supportive.”

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While nothing has been confirmed by Universal, the ‘Fast’ crew, or Lin, reports circulated after he left that the filmmaker clashed creatively with Vin Diesel and the studio. As we all know, Diesel is the person who is seemingly in charge of the whole franchise, and if he doesn’t like what’s going on, then you’re gone. This led to a very public feud with Dwayne Johnson. So, it wouldn’t be shocking to hear that Lin and Diesel disagreed and the filmmaker was the one to leave. 

Regardless of the reason, it appears Lin holds no ill will (or at least, not publicly) and still supports those involved in the ‘Fast’ franchise. He was eventually replaced by Louis Leterrier, who helmed “Fast X” and appears to still be attached to the forthcoming finale film, whatever that will be called.