Vin Diesel Sets December Start Date for 'Fast Forever' After Four-Year Script Overhaul

Key points

• Filming for 'Fast Forever' is expected to start in December 2026, contingent on studio approval.
• The script underwent four years of development and four different writing teams before reaching its final draft.
• Vin Diesel stated he cried while reading the script, calling it the best he has read in decades.
• Director Louis Leterrier confirmed he has not yet read the script but remains attached to the project.
• The film is scheduled for a March 17, 2028, release, marking a five-year gap since 'Fast X'.

Background

The 'Fast & Furious' franchise has been a major financial success for Universal, with a combined worldwide gross of $7.3 billion. The 2023 film 'Fast X' ended on a major cliffhanger, setting up a two-part finale. The original 'The Fast and the Furious' is currently being re-released in theaters for its 25th anniversary, which served as the backdrop for Diesel's recent updates.

How outlets are covering it

Gizmodo and Variety reported that Diesel expressed deep emotional attachment to the script, noting he cried during the reading. USA Today highlighted Diesel's public admission of crying at the anniversary screening. 3DVF emphasized the discrepancy between Diesel's enthusiasm and director Louis Leterrier's admission that he had not yet read the script, pointing out the potential disconnect in the production process. All outlets agreed on the December start date and the March 2028 release, but varied in their focus on the emotional versus logistical aspects of the delay.

Why it matters

The 'Fast & Furious' franchise is one of the most profitable in cinema history. The long delay and multiple script revisions raise questions about the stability of the final installment. Diesel's emotional endorsement suggests a high-quality script, but the director's lack of familiarity with it introduces uncertainty about the final product. The five-year gap between 'Fast X' and 'Fast Forever' is the longest in the franchise's history, potentially affecting audience interest and box office performance.

What to watch

Filming is expected to begin in December 2026. The film is scheduled for release on March 17, 2028. Universal has not yet announced a specific production start date beyond Diesel's statement, but the December timeline is the current target. The original 'The Fast and the Furious' is currently in theaters for its 25th anniversary re-release.