It has just been announced that French filmmakerLouis Leterrieris the front-runner to take over the director’s chair for the upcoming blockbuster sequel,Fast X. Just last week,Justin Linstepped down as director after a week of production. Leterrier is reportedly Universal’s first choice, but a deal has not yet been made because some kinks in the filmmaker’s schedule need to be worked out. Leterrier is a prolific director who has directed several popular films includingThe Transporter, The Transporter 2, The Incredible Hulk, andNow You See Me. Lin had directed several of the franchise’s previous films includingFast & Furious,Fast & Furious 6,and most recently, last year’sF9.
Universal has declined to comment on the matter of replacing directors forFast X. The only listed reason for Lin’s departure is simply creative differences, but many have speculated that it was because of issues working with actorVin Diesel, though this is unconfirmed. Production is currently taking place in London and Second Unit footage has yet to wrap, withFast Xcurrently set to be released on June 09, 2025. If Leterrier is able to hop on board and jump right into the project, that release date should still be able to be achieved. It has been reported that Universal Studio ChiefDonna Langleyhas a great working relationship with Leterrier, so it seems more than likely that he will be officially on board as director very soon.
Lin is still staying on the film as a producer, alongside Vin Diesel,Neal Moritz, Jeff Kirschenbaum, andSamantha Vincent. Lin co-wroteFast X’s script withDan Mazeau. The film will see Diesel,Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Jordana Brewster, Nathalie Emmanuel, Sung Kang, andCharlize Theronall reprising their roles from previous installments of theFast & Furiousfranchise. Newcomers to the franchise includeJason Momoa, Brie Larson, andDaniela Melchior, withCardi BandMichael Rookerreprising their roles fromF9. Plot details forFast Xare currently being kept under wraps, but it has been confirmed that there will be an eleventh film inThe Fast Sagaas well.
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TheFast & Furiousfranchise started back in 2001 withThe Fast and the Furiousand has since grossed over $6 billion, becoming the seventh highest-grossing film franchise of all time. Leterrier has recently lent his talents to TV, including episodes ofThe Dark Crystal: Age of ResistanceandLupin. Leterrier also directed the French action comedy filmThe Takedownwhich premieres onNetflixthis Friday. Lin most recently directed the pilot for this year’sNBCseriesThe Endgame. It is not clear if Lin will ever return to direct anotherFast & Furiousfilm even though he is a franchise staple.
