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F9 Is Vin Diesel’s Biggest Fast & Furious Challenge (Because of The Rock) 

The absence of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson from Fast & Furious 9 is the reason why the movie is Vin Diesel’s opportunity to prove that the car-centric franchise is his. The ninth film in the main Fast Saga will cover a big narrative as it sets up the film series’ two-part finale. But aside from the pressure to deliver a satisfying movie, especially considering how many times it’s been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, it also presents a major personal challenge for Diesel as it’s the first entry in the main saga to not feature Johnson since he joined in 2011 via Fast Five.

F9 is pitting Dom Torreto against his and Mia’s estranged brother Jakob. Being backed up by Cipher, the main villain of Fate of the Furious makes him more dangerous as it appears he’s hell-bent on killing his own flesh and blood. It’s uncertain what drove them apart but expect the movie to reveal their ugly past. Aside from that, F9 will also see the return of Han Lue, who was believed to be dead for years now. There are high expectations that director Justin Lin will finally have to deliver on their Justice for Han promise, something that the filmmaker said was a primary motivating factor for him to rejoin the franchise.

Related: Will Brian O’Conner Be In Fast & Furious 9?

Considering the many moving parts of F9, it could get away with not featuring Johnson’s Luke Hobbs. But, this also adds extra pressure on Diesel and the rest of the cast to prove that The Fast Saga is able to be as successful, if not more, without one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars right now.

Why The Rock Isn’t Returning For Fast & Furious 9
The Rock Vin Diesel Fast and the Furious

It’s unclear how and when Diesel and Johnson’s supposed conflict exactly began, but it was only publicized ahead of the premiere of Fate of the Furious in 2017. At that point, they’d worked together for four movies already, since Johnson joined the franchise through Fast Five. The pair didn’t explicitly deny the issue, although to be fair, no one really confirmed it either; nevertheless, comments were made heavily suggesting that rumors of their feud were true. It didn’t help that Fast & Furious original cast member Tyrese Gibson came out and had strong words for Johnson, claiming that he was trying to take over the film series by headlining the spin-off, Hobbs & Shaw.

This may have very well caused Johnson to sit out F9; with a string of other projects to focus on, losing the upcoming movie isn’t exactly a big deal for him. For what it’s worth, it’s probably for the best as forcing the issue may have only resulted in a bad experience for everyone involved. It’s worth noting, however, that in 2019, Diesel and Johnson appeared to have already made amends. This was further backed up recently when Diesel posted an image of him and Johnson from Fast Five. Unfortunately, patching things up may have come a little too late for Hobbs to be incorporated into F9.

F9 Will Test How Well Fast & Furious Works Without The Rock
Furious-7-Cast-Hobbs-Letty-Brian-Dom.

Johnson’s entry brought a lot of changes into The Fast Saga. Fast Five marked a significant turn in the franchise as the team tackled more elevated and big stakes missions rather than just the standard street-racing-centric adventures. From there, they slowly outgrew their original premise, turning into a full-blown action-adventure blockbuster series that’s known for its over-the-top action set pieces. This significant change made a positive impact on its box office numbers. Fast Five almost doubled Fast & Furious’ sales, pocketing a total of more than $630 million. Fast and Furious 6 and Fate of the Furious nabbed $789 million and $1.236 billion respectively. Meanwhile, Furious 7  sets the record for the franchise’s highest grosser with $1.51 billion. Overall, Five out of the nine Fast & Furious films thus far, including the offshoot, Hobbs & Shaw, featured Johnson’s character. As F9 moves ahead with Hobbs, it’s interesting to see how the film with fare in terms of narrative and box office performance compared to previous movies in The Fast Saga with him.

Related: Mission: Impossible 7’s Insane Stunts Can Outdo Fast & Furious 9

Will F9 Be As Successful Without The Rock?
 Luke Hobbs tracks down Dom and his crew in Rio in Fast Five

Over the last several years, Johnson’s career has soared into greater heights with a string of hits under his belt. In 2020, he has crowned the highest-paid actor in Hollywood, his second consecutive year bagging the title and proving his popularity. His involvement in any project definitely draws more interest to it, so how will his absence affect F9? It’s difficult to predict just how successful the upcoming feature will be, but there sure is a lot of hype surrounding the project even without the confirmation that Hobbs is not in it. Given this, the impact may be minimal since The Fast Saga is already a well-established franchise. Granted that Hobbs’ entry in Fast Five helped boost its popularity, it already had an existing fan base who is committed to it long before Johnson’s involvement. Between the impending showdown between Dom and his brother, Jakob, and the return of Han which could also lead to more The Fast Saga players returning, fans’ are definitely intrigued. The multiple delays because of the ongoing pandemic can also bolster people’s interest since everyone is craving the communal thrill of watching films in theaters and F9 is the perfect kind of movie for that.

F9 Can Prove Fast & Furious Is Vin Diesel’s Franchise
F9 teaser poster header

Depending on how F9 performs at the box office without Johnson, Diesel can prove that The Fast Saga is his franchise. Not that there’s any doubt that he’s its main driving factor, but Johnson is too big of a star to be ignored while in it. Since he joined, it has only become more popular and oftentimes, this can be attributed to his debut as Luke Hobbs considering his star power. It’s also one of the reasons why the spin-off Hobbs and Shaw was greenlit; despite not featuring any of the original characters, Paramount thought that Johnson’s star power combined with Jason Statham’s appeal would be more than enough to launch an offshoot of movies from one of their most popular franchises. But, it’s important to remember that it was Diesel and Paul Walker, who played his original partner-in-crime Brian O’Conner who built it from the ground up. Long before franchises were a thing, The Fast Saga has been slowly establishing itself with a string of enjoyable blockbusters. Diesel is a key creative and producing player in the franchise in general, as well; he’s involved in every aspect of it, thus making him the single most important person in the film series. Fast & Furious 9’s potential success will simply emphasize that.

More: F9: Everything We Know About Han’s Fast & Furious Return

Key Release Dates F9 The Fast Saga Poster

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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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