‘Fast and the Furious 9’ Release Delay Could Lead to the ‘Best Possible Sequels of All Time,’ According to 1 Star
Nearly 20 years have gone by since The Fast and the Furious hit theaters. And the franchise has become nearly unrecognizable from what it started as. Now, with the release of F9 delayed, one star believes the break could actually be just what the long-running series needs.
Universal pushed the release of ‘Fast and the Furious 9’ to April 2021
As the true extent of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic became apparent, Hollywood began clearing the decks. First spring and then summer releases were removed from the schedule, as movie theaters shut down. Big studio movies had to choose between on-demand services or delayed theatrical releases.
As such, Universal pushed F9 — the ninth Fast and the Furious movie — from May 2020 to April 2, 2021. After all, the movie carries a hefty price tag. Although its budget hasn’t been uncovered, the series’ previous entry reportedly cost $250 million and grossed $1.2 billion worldwide. Naturally, Universal is hoping F9 will be equally successful at the box office.
Ludacris believes the delay could actually benefit the series’ future
For Fast and the Furious fans, the delay came as disappointing news. But at least it forces the creative team behind the franchise to plot its next move. A tenth film has already been announced. In a recent interview on SiriusXM’s The Jess Cagle Show (via The Hollywood Reporter), Ludacris — who plays Tej in the movies — pointed out the potential silver lining.
That just gives the editors a little more time to perfect [F9] even more. So, now I can only imagine what’s going to happen. Hypothetically, if there is a Fast 10 and 11. And you understand the time the creatives — the people who are writing these scripts right now — have to make these the best possible sequels of all time. I can’t even imagine. That is what I am thinking.
Initially, F9 and the untitled tenth film were announced together. F9 even took the latter’s release date upon its delay. But it’s unclear whether these two would have served as a two-parter. In any case, fans are anxious to see where Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his family go in the next film, particularly with the return of Han.
When will the long-running series finally cross the finish line?
Once upon a time, the Fast and the Furious movies centered on gangs and illegal street racing. Now Dom and his family are something between spies and superheroes. So, with the action and stakes getting insanely higher with each film, when will the franchise end? Ludacris even teased — as fans have joked — the Fast family could eventually head to space.
Yet, according to a promise Diesel once made to the late Paul Walker, the series will end with 10 films. If that’s the case, then the creative team will definitely need extra prep time to ensure F9 and its presumed follow-up are perfect. Of course, the question then becomes whether Univeral will be satisfied with a Hobbs & Shaw sequel and other spin-offs.
