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5 Reasons The Original Series Is Better (& 5 It’s The Reboot)  

There was a soft reboot of the Fast and Furious franchise starting from Fast Five, which changed the focus from racing to action-adventure. From the first to fourth entries, the series shifted from being about Dominic Toretto to Brian O’Conner, and then Sean Boswell. The presentation and overall style of the original movies also differ greatly from the later entries.

RELATED: Fast & Furious: 10 Actors Who Would Be Perfect As The Next Villain
The reboot series has been firmly about Dom and his crew, with their adventures now going on a global scale that sees them fight international villains with bigger stakes involved. Both the original and reboot have their own strengths, and it’s interesting to see which area one trumps the other.

Original: Soundtrack That Fits The Movie’s Events

Brian Oconner split image with Suki 2 fast 2 furious

The reboot series has boasted superb songs that bookend the movies and are used in promotional material. However, the original series did it better by having soundtracks relevant to particular scenes, with fast-paced tracks accompanying the racing sequences.
This helped in covering the aesthetics of these movies, as the soundtrack signaled the arrival of the core action. They also bolstered the car races on show, with music helping the competition feel like a sheer thrill ride. The Fast and the Furious movies were actually noted for their soundtracks appealing to the target demographic of youth at the time.

Reboot: Greater Stunts & Sense Of Scale

Dom and Brian stand on top of a falling car in Fast Five

It was after Fast Five that the series started to be compared with other tentpole franchises like Mission: Impossible, as it took things to a massive sense of scale. The reboot movies have featured larger-than-life stunts and action-packed moments to validate its claim as a big-time franchise.
The original movies were too focused on the racing aspect of things to feel like a mainstream series, with this even turning it into a niche product where car enthusiasts were the main fans. On the other hand, the reboot installments have featured awe-inspiring sequences to leave viewers wowed more than several times.

Original: One-Liners & Edgy Characters

Brian and Monica in 2 fast 2 furious

The franchise has been noted for doling out memorable quotes across every movie, although these were more in abundance in the original movies. This was during the time where characters had a certain edge, with both the protagonists and villains carrying themselves with a sense of style and attitude.
The reboot has relied on Dom’s intimidating presence rather than the use of one-liners, and noteworthy quotes have largely been Roman’s jokes that have the side effect of making him too goofy. The originals, on the other hand, made the characters’ quirks and mannerisms as part of their appeal.

Reboot: Action & Fight Sequences

Hobbs and Shaw fight at the DSS offices in Furious 7

This is an area where the reboot easily trumps the original, with the fight choreography being mastered as each movie has been released. It helps that villains have been introduced with technical backgrounds that make it part of their character to be deadly assassins.
RELATED: The Rock’s 10 Best Movies (So Far), According To IMDb
While fans need to suspend their disbelief over how Dom and his crew can take on trained fighters, the visual appeal remains at its peak as combat is highly entertaining. The original movies had very little of this, and the few fight scenes that were present were too much on the brawling side.

Original: Greater Comedic Potential

Roman smiles after winning a race in 2 Fast 2 Furious

It’s impressive how much the original movies embraced the cheesy aspect of things, as there were never any attempts to make anything seem realistic. This allowed the comedy to be freely expressed without feeling tacked-on or going against established characterizations.
The reboot movies have been funny in their own right, but the comedy has been restricted toward certain characters like Tej and Roman while others like Dom can seem out of place. With the reboot installments also being on the serious side of things, comedic sequences have also shrunk in quantity.

Reboot: Universe-Building Quality

Hobbs and Shaw point at each other

It’s become all too common for fans to make their wish lists over which character deserves their own action movie spin-off. That’s because Hobbs & Shaw’s success has laid the foundation for many more entries to follow that don’t need to be connected with Dom and his crew.
The reboot movies have placed Dom front and center, but the globe-trotting nature of the storylines has allowed for a newer, more diverse set of characters to debut whose arcs can be expanded upon. The original series’ focus on racing meant that characters could feel interchangeable and spin-offs wouldn’t have as much appeal.

Original: Simpler Timeline To Understand

The Fast and the Furious Tokyo Drift

It appeared as if significant time had passed between Fast Five and The Fate of the Furious, only for Dom’s son to rule this out since his conception wouldn’t otherwise make sense. Similarly, Furious 7’s placement as being set around the same time as Tokyo Drift is equally confusing. 
The original series was far better in this area as the timeline flowed straight without throwing in references to events that required fans to follow the chronology. Even though Tokyo Drift was a different scenario, that movie was also simple at the time since Dom’s appearance at the end could be attributed to him having escaped to Tokyo after The Fast and the Furious.

Reboot: Character Dynamics Are More Genuine

Han and Gisele speed of to Madrid at the end of Fast Five

Many jokes have been made at the expense of the reboot series focusing too much on “family,” yet this has been a factor in bolstering character dynamics. After all, the close-knit nature of the group is why fans can consider them to be a true team rather than them being brought together due to happenstance.
RELATED: Fast & Furious: The 10 Best Characters Introduced After The First Movie
The original movies were scattered in this aspect as protagonists would move from one place to another, thereby necessitating a whole new roster of supporting characters. This had the effect of turning the characters’ relationships weak since they didn’t stick together in the long run.

Original: The Cars Showcased

The cars sit at the start line for the first race in 2 Fast 2 Furious

At the heart of it, The Fast and Furious series is about the cars to be found here. This was the basis for the franchise, with the original movies going out of their way to bring a magnificent set of cars to wow viewers, along with showcasing the drivers’ skills.
The reboot series has used cars as part of the action, only to avoid going too deep into their quality of use. While this has allowed for a wider appeal from viewers, the original movies’ mastery at providing pure entertainment through races and gorgeous cars on show is certainly missed.

Reboot: Better Storylines

Dom and Jakob faceoff inside jakob's base in Fast 9

For all the criticism that The Fast and Furious movies may receive, they have brought out some great storylines. Chief among them is the progression of Dom’s background, with the truth about his father’s demise, his relationship with his family, and his romance with Letty all developing in the reboot movies.
The original movies didn’t have as much to offer in this regard apart from Brian’s arc of leaving the police force, with the reboot installments doing him better by giving Brian a family life and worthy retirement. All in all, the newer movies have managed to hold fans’ interest through well-placed storylines that play out within each entry.
NEXT: Fast & Furious: 10 Behind The Scenes Facts About Tokyo Drift

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Fast & Furious 11 Needs Hobbs Vs. Dom (To End The Rock & Vin Diesel’s Feud)

Summary

Fast and Furious 11 needs to feature an epic fight between The Rock and Vin Diesel to resolve the real-life feud and bring closure to their characters’ relationship. The clash between Dom and Hobbs in Fast Five was a game-changer, and revisiting that epic confrontation in Fast 11 would elevate the action and add nostalgia. A showdown between Dom and Hobbs in Fast 11 could serve as a decisive moment of reconciliation, reaffirming the underlying themes of family and unity in the franchise.

Now that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has returned to the Fast Saga, Fast and Furious 11 needs to include an epic fight between Johnson and Vin Diesel. In the high-octane world of the Fast and Furious franchise, the thrill of fast cars and heart-stopping action has always been amplified by the magnetic on-screen chemistry between its stars. However, a real-life feud between The Rock and Vin Diesel has been brewing since 2016. Director Louis Leterrier achieved the impossible by bringing The Rock back into the fold. Now, he must find a way to reunite Luke Hobbs and Dominic Toretto on-screen.

Ever since Fate of the Furious, the void left by The Rock’s absence has grown more conspicuous. The actor’s feud with Vin Diesel has cast a shadow over the franchise, making it increasingly difficult for the writers and directors to craft a cohesive narrative. As Fast Saga fans await the next installment, all eyes are on Leterrier to weave a compelling story that not only showcases jaw-dropping action but also offers a chance for Hobbs and Dom to partake in an epic showdown.

Hobbs & Dom Fighting In Fast & Furious 11 Would Bring Their Arc Full Circle
Vin Diesel's Dom confronts Dwayne Johnson's Hobbs in Fast Five

Fast X and Fast and Furious 11 act as sequels to Fast Five in many ways, so it makes perfect sense for the upcoming installment to build on the fight scene between Dom and Hobbs from Fast Five. The clash between the two powerhouse characters left an indelible mark on fans. Revisiting that epic confrontation could elevate the adrenaline-fueled action and add a layer of nostalgia to Fast and Furious 11. Now that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has had a change of heart and returned to the Fast Saga, the anticipation for a rematch between his and Vin Diesel’s characters has reached a fever pitch.

Dom and Hobbs’ showdown in Fast Five was a game-changer for the franchise, propelling it to new heights with its intensity and raw energy. Given the unresolved tension between the two stars in real life, a meticulously crafted fight scene in Fast 11 has the potential to invigorate the climax of the series and provide a cathartic experience for the actors and fans alike. As Fast 11 may be the final chapter in the Fast and Furious universe, all eyes are on this anticipated clash. Hopefully, a brotherly fight will be the defining moment that brings harmony back to the Fast Saga family.

The Rock & Vin Diesel Can Put Their Feud To Rest On Screen
Hobbs holding on to Dom in Fast and Furious 5

Vin Diesel and The Rock’s personal history adds a layer of complexity to any potential fight between their characters in Fast and Furious 11. Given their real-life feud, it’s unlikely either actor would be portrayed as the clear winner or loser. Moreover, from a storytelling perspective, it would be counterproductive to have Dom excessively harm or kill Hobbs or vice versa. However, as the series approaches its potential end, a showdown between Dom and Hobbs could serve as a decisive moment of reconciliation. After all, throughout the Fast and Furious films, audiences have witnessed a recurring pattern of men engaging in physical conflicts before eventually forming unbreakable bonds.

For instance, Fast and Furious sees Dom and Brian’s tumultuous relationship evolve into a deep brotherly connection after a series of knock-down, drag-out fights. This same sort of understanding between Dom and Hobbs would reaffirm the underlying themes of reconciliation and family that have contributed to the franchise’s enduring popularity. By embracing the notion that they are, in a sense, brothers, Dom and Hobbs could mend their on-screen relationship and deliver a broader message of unity. This would ultimately give fans a satisfying conclusion to their relationship in Fast and Furious 11.

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Vin Diesel Posts Paul Walker Tribute On 10th Anniversary Of His Death

Summary

Vin Diesel shares a touching tribute to Paul Walker 10 years after the actor’s tragic death on November 30, 2013. Diesel expresses that “more smiles manage to break through the tears” as years pass because he knows his bond with Walker will be stronger than ever when they eventually reunite. Walker’s character, Brian O’Connor, remains alive in the world of Fast and Furious, and Diesel has previously teased that the franchise won’t end without a proper farewell to Brian and Walker.

Fast and Furious star Vin Diesel takes to social media to share a touching tribute to Paul Walker, 10 years after the actor’s death. First released in 2001, the debut installment in the long-running Fast and Furious franchise introduces Diesel as Dominic Toretto and Walker as Brian O’Connor. Both characters would return for a number of sequels, but Walker tragically passed away on November 30, 2013, during the production of Furious 7.

Now, on the 10th anniversary of Walker’s passing, Diesel has shared a touching tribute post on Instagram to honor his late Fast and Furious costar. Check out the actor’s emotional post below:

Accompanying an image of Walker with one of his daughters, Diesel reminisces about an important lesson learned from the late actor and how his legacy still lives on today. Diesel’s full caption is included below:

I was listening to a song this morning…‘That Lucky Old Sun’… thought of you, racing around Heaven all day. Hahaha…
The family of the Mourning, feels like it has grown since a decade ago… feel’s like that experience of losing someone is far too common today. Leaving more and more of us in search for meaning, trying to make sense of this complex existence…
Oh, I have finally understood what you use to do with the phone, “phone Fasting”… you had the insight to turn off your phone for long stretches of time. I started this year to do just that. You used to say, Vin and I can go years without talking, and our brotherhood will always be stronger than we left it, the ones who truly love you will always be there.
Amen to that.
This is one of my favorite images ever taken… You knew how proud I was when my daughter, the Alpha Angel, your niece would play the piano… well last night she was playing Moonlight Sonata… it took me back to the night before she was born. Me and you were working late… you were telling me that the best moment in life would be witnessing my child being born. That priceless smile you had when I told you the next day that I had cut the umbilical cord…
The next song she started playing on the piano is by an artist you would have loved, named Billie Eilish, ‘What was I made for’… when she started to play, the other angels all came and joined her at the piano and they started singing… wow…emotions… angels, I know you were listening.
After ten years… I know these days of beautiful remembrance will be filled with tears. But as time rolls on, with each year that passes… more smiles manage to break through the tears. Cause I know, when I see you again… our brotherhood will be stronger than we left it.
Miss you.

Will Brian Be Seen Again In Fast & Furious?
Furious 7 Reveals How Paul Walker’s Character Can Return
CGI Paul Walker in Furious 7.

Walker’s death in November 2013 came with a great deal of sadness, but it also created problems for the Furious 7 production, which was about halfway done. It was ultimately decided that Walker’s remaining scenes would be completed with a digital recreation of the actor, with his two brothers, Cody and Caleb Walker, serving as body doubles. Although Walker may have passed away, Brian remains alive and well within the world of the films, though he has not been seen in the flesh since Furious 7’s emotional ending.

The closet audiences have come to seeing Brian again (outside of the flashbacks featured in Fast X) is at the end of F9: The Fast Saga, when the character’s iconic Nissan Skyline pulls up at Dom’s house. This summer’s Fast X supposedly sets up the conclusion of the franchise in an 11th and potentially 12th installment (in addition to the announced Dwayne Johnson Luke Hobbs spinoff movie), and it’s very likely that the final movie will see Brian return in some capacity.

Diesel has also essentially teased as much, telling Total Film (via GamesRadar) earlier this year: “I couldn’t imagine this saga ending without truly saying goodbye to Brian O’Conner.” It’s unclear if this will mean a substantial digital recreation of the actor for extended portions of the film or a quick cameo at the very end, but it seems like audiences haven’t seen the last of Brian just yet. Even in death, Walker remains a key pillar of Fast and Furious, and it’s fitting that the final film will feature another heartfelt goodbye to further honor the late actor.

Source: Vin Diesel/ Instagram

Fast and Furious 11 temp poster

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All 4 Fast & Furious Heroes Who Stayed Dead (& Which One Is Most Likely To Return)

Summary

Fast & Furious franchise is known for bringing back dead characters, but there are a few heroes who have remained dead. Jack Toretto, Dom’s father, died in a racing accident and his death should not be undone in the franchise. Jesse, a member of Dom’s crew, was killed in a drive-by shooting, while Vince was killed during an ambush. Elena, Dom’s love interest, was killed by the villain Cipher.

The Fast & Furious franchise has brought many characters back from the dead, but a handful of its heroes have remained killed off after their demise. The Fast Saga has taken its characters on a wild ride from street racing to the most outlandish adventures possible. The running theme of the Fast & Furious franchise has long been family, with Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) building quite a large family indeed over the course of the Fast Saga’s run.

On top of its embrace of ridiculous, superhuman feats as a staple of its action scenes, the Fast & Furious movies are also well known for bringing back seemingly dead characters for more missions. The returns of Sung Kang’s Han in F9 and Gal Gadot’s Gisele Yashar in Fast X would be especially noteworthy in emphasizing the notion that no Fast & Furious death is irreversible. However, that is not entirely true, as there have been a few Fast & Furious heroes who have died and never come back.

RELATED: 10 Fast & Furious Characters Who Must Return In New Hobbs Spinoff

4 Jack Toretto
An image of Jack Toretto driving a car in F9

Jack Toretto (J.D. Pardo) is the father of Dom, Mia (Jordana Brewster), and Jakob Toretto (John Cena), and is first seen in a flashback to 1989 in F9. Jack is a highly skilled race car driver who instilled that talent in his children, with Dom and Jakob being part of his racing pit crew. However, Jack’s racing career took a tragic turn when his car malfunctioned and crashed, killing him. Dom later beat his father’s racing opponent, Kenny Linder (Jim Parrack), almost to death with a wrench, believing him responsible for his father’s demise.

This tragedy also led to Dom and Jakob falling out, with Dom later coming to believe that Jakob set up their father’s death since he was the last one to work on his car. However, Jack was intentionally attempting to throw the race in order to get his family out of debt. He had asked Jakob to help tinker with his car so that it would fail, with Jack’s death being unintentional on both their parts. While his return has been theorized by fans, of all the characters killed off in Fast & Furious, Jack Toretto’s death should never be retconned.

3 Jesse
Jesse in The Fast and the Furious pic

One of the early members of Dom’s family in the original The Fast and the Furious, Jesse (Chad Lindberg) was the brains of Dom’s crew in his enterprise of stealing DVD players. Jesse went on the run after losing a street race to Dom’s rival, Johnny Tran (Rick Yune), having bet his MK3 Volkswagen Jetta in the race. Jesse was later killed outside of Dom’s house when Johnny Tran and his associate Lance Nguyen (Reggie Lee) arrived and performed a drive-by shooting. Dom and Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker) then chased down Johnny Tran and Lance Nguyen to avenge their fallen friend.

2 Vince
fast and furious 5 vince

Vince (Matt Schulze) was another member of Dom’s crew in The Fast & the Furious, and he was badly injured during a truck heist in that first movie. After his recovery, Vince fled to Rio de Janeiro where he later reunited with Dom and family in Fast Five. Despite Vince having settled down with a wife and a baby son, he agreed to join Dom’s daring heist of Rio’s most feared crime boss Hernan Reyes (Joaquim de Almeida). Unfortunately, Vince was killed during an ambush by Reyes’s team. After successfully pulling off the heist, Dom left Vince’s intended share of the money with his wife and son.

1 Elena
Elena Neves walks with her gun drawn by a car

Elena Neves (Elsa Pataky) worked alongside Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) in apprehending Dom and his crew in Fast Five. She and Dom gradually developed feelings for each other, however, and departed for Spain with Dom at the end of the movie. After Dom learned that his wife Letty Ortiz (Michelle Rodriguez) was still alive despite her apparent death in Fast & Furious, Dom and Elena had an amicable split, only for it to later be revealed that Elena is the mother of Dom’s son in The Fate of the Furious.

RELATED: How (& Where) To Watch The Fast & Furious Movies In Order By Release Date & Chronologically

After Elena was killed by the villainous Cipher (Charlize Theron), Dom and Letty raised the boy together, with the two naming him Brian after Brian O’Conner. Meanwhile, Dom later met Elena’s sister Isabel (Daniela Melchior), who joined Dom’s crew in Fast X. While Elena remains deceased as of Fast X, the arrival of her sister Isabel and Fast & Furious’s habit of not truly killing off characters makes her the most likely thought-to-be-dead hero to potentially return as the franchise speeds towards its finale.

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