Almost a week after Justin Lin stepped down from his role as the director ofFast X, Louis Leterrier is reportedly Universal’s top choice to helm the tenthFast and Furiousfilm.
Having directed five of the nine previousFast and Furiousfilms, Lin was already in the midst of production onFast Xwhen he unexpectedly announced he was exiting the project as director. While an official reason for his departure was not confirmed, reports and rumours suggest creative differences withFast Xlead Vin Dieselwere behind Lin’s exit.
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Now, Deadline reports Leterrier is the frontrunner to replace Lin asthe director ofFast X.However, a deal between Universal and Leterrier has yet to be closed because scheduling still needs to be worked out with some of the director’s other projects. The outlet’s sources say Leterrier was quickly put at the top of the list of potential filmmakers to approach about replacing Lin, noting that Leterrier has a great relationship with Universal chief Donna Langley. Production onFast Xhad to take a brief pause once Lin left, but Universal will reportedly have no problems meeting the May 2023 release date once the deal with Leterrier is finalized.
Although Lin leftFast Xover creative differences, the split was said to be amicable, and second unit footage was still shot during the production hiatus. Despite leaving the director’s chair, Lin will remain onboardFast Xas a producer, serving in the role alongside Diesel, Neal Moritz, Jeff Kirschenbaum, and Samantha Vincent. Lin also co-wrote theFast Xscript with Dan Mazeau, the latter of whom is making theirFast and Furiousfranchisedebut with this 10th installment.
Leterrier is no stranger to directing blockbusters films with ensemble casts, with Marvel Studios’The Incredible Hulkand Lionsgate’sNow You See Mebeing among his most notable credits. He also directed every episode of Netflix’s short-lived but critically acclaimed seriesThe Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.
Fast Xhas a stacked cast of returning favorites and a slew of newcomers likeCaptain Marvelstar Brie Larson. While it would have been nice to see Lin, a long-time member of theFast and Furiousfamily, lend his vision to the first part of theFastsaga’s conclusion, the franchise appears to be in capable hands should Leterrier take the helm.
Fast Xis scheduled to release in theaters on Jun 02, 2025.
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