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5 Reasons Hernan Reyes Is The Franchise’s Best Villain (& 5 Why It’s Cipher)

The Fast & Furious franchise has had its fair share of villains, some memorable, some not. Trying to take down Dominic “Dom” Toretto and his family is never an easy task but there are two villains who have impressed the most while at it. These are Fast Five villain Hernan Reyes (Jaoquim De Almeida) and The Fate Of The Furious villain Cipher (Charlize Theron).

RELATED: Which Fast And Furious Character Are You, Based On Your Chinese Zodiac?

Fast Five is thought of as the turning point at which the franchise stopped being just a ‘racing drama.’ Joaquim De Almeida had portrayed crime bosses in a number of films before his role as Reyes, hence his amazing performance wasn’t such a surprise. Reyes had the crown of the franchise’s best villain for a while, until Theron’s tech-savvy Cipher showed up. But who really is better?

Reyes: A More Sensible Motivation
Reyes in Fast Five (2011)

Hernan’s Reyes’s goal was simple. The DEA had seized three of his cars and was transferring them using a train. One of them had a computer chip that contained the addresses of all the locations where he hid his money at. He thus hired Dom and his team to get the chip. When things didn’t go as planned, he decided to make them pay. Quite straightforward.

Unlike the rest of the villains, Cipher was more than a tough baddie but her motivations appeared overblown. She risked her operations by making Dom work for her yet she could have easily relied on her more competent and loyal henchmen. She also stole nuclear codes in order to cause World War III. But how exactly she would benefit from the war was never spelt out clearly

Cipher: She Got Dom To Turn His Back On ‘Family’
The Family in Fast & Furious 6

Dom’s team aka “Family” means everything to Dom but for a brief moment, he didn’t care about them, thanks to Cipher. No other antagonist has ever managed to get into Dom’s head the way she did. While Dom was on a honeymoon with Letty in Cuba, Cipher tracked him down and blackmailed him after kidnapping his son and ex-wife.

In other films in the franchise, Dom had always been in control of things, even when he had no backup. But against Cipher, he appeared hopeless and doomed for failure. If it wasn’t for outside intervention from the enemy-turned-ally Deckard Shaw, Dom could have remained Cipher’s slave for a lot longer.

Reyes: Best Quotes
Hernan Reyes in Fast Five

Unlike the protagonists, Fast & Furious villains have never been smart talkers. That’s until Reyes came into the picture. His one-liners and general speeches have remained unmatched so far. He memorably gave a speech on how violence against the common people was useless. He referred to how the Spanish used violence while trying to colonize Brazil and failed.

RELATED: Fast & Furious: 10 Questions About Dominic Toretto, Answered

He compared himself to the Portuguese who came bearing gifts and succeeded. Reyes then explained how he also gave the people electricity and water so that they could depend on him. And when one of his henchmen told him that his money was so safe that even God couldn’t reach it, he replied with “God is not my worry.”

Cipher: The Only Villain To Avoid Getting Killed Or Arrested
Cipher about to kiss Dom

Cipher was the only antagonist in the franchise who failed in their mission but still avoided getting killed or arrested. This might change in the future but the fact that she has been conducting criminal operations for years with no consequences makes her better than other villains.

Only five other villains have survived the events of the films they appeared in, but unlike Cipher, they were arrested. These include: Carter Verone, Takashi, Arturo Braga, and Deckard Shaw.

Reyes: Brutality
Hernan Reyes - Fast Five (2011)

In action movies, villains tend to be judged a lot by their kills. A villain who doesn’t kill comes off as weak. This was the undoing of Cipher and all the villains that came before Reyes. In fact, before Fast Five, the only other villain that killed someone was Johnny Tran.

Reyes, on the other hand, showed how violent he can be by beating by beating one of his subordinates to death with a paperweight. He also had Dom and Brian tortured before they finally escaped. Reyes’ was directly involved in the death of five law enforcement officers too who were blown up by his men.

Cipher: The Mastermind
Charlize Theron as Cipher in Fate of the Furious.

Even though she first appeared in The Fate Of The Furious, it was revealed that most of the other villains that came before Cipher had been under her control. This made her similar to Blofeld in the James Bond franchise. Being able to wield so much power over other baddies make her a better villain.

RELATED: Fast And Furious: 10 Times The Franchise Could Have Ended

She hired Owen Shaw to steal military grade weapons to enable her create advanced weapons. She also hired Mose Jakanda. And given that Owen Shaw was the boss of Arturo Braga, this makes Cipher his boss too.

Reyes: Absolute Power
Hernan Reyes in Fast Five

Part of what makes a good villain is having power. As Reyes explained in his iconic speech, he had power over the people of Rio because he was like a Robin Hood figure to them. He used the proceeds of crime to give them their basic needs. He also had the police in his pocket and was even able to store his giant vault inside a police station.

While Cipher had a number of baddies working for her, she never really had total control over anything. For example, she couldn’t turn Deckard Shaw and Dom into her full time puppets. Her missions failed too and so did those of other villains in the franchise.

Cipher: Skills And Abilities
Cipher Monitors Dom in Fate of the Furious

Cipher was capable of doing a variety of things. She was a tech genius with a vast amount of knowledge that rivalled that of God’s Eye creator, Ramsey. She also erased all information about her past and for a long, the authorities and fellow criminals thought she was an organization rather than a person. She was able to access the electronic mainframes of multiple vehicles all at once.

Cipher also had unmatched spy abilities as seen from how she was able to manipulate Dom. Her fighting skills were also seen when she raided Mr. Nobody’s secret base named “Nowhere” and incapacitated everyone in the facility. Other antagonists in the franchise have mostly been one dimensional. They are either good fighters, good racers or ruthless criminal masterminds.

Reyes: Memorable Death
Hernan Reyes going after the vault in Fast Five

Action movie villains are often remembered by how they die. A dull death makes all their dirty work pointless. While Reyes didn’t manage to get away scot free like Cipher, he at least died trying to get back what he treasured.

RELATED: Fast & Furious Characters Sorted Into Their Hogwarts Houses

When Dom’s team stole the vault from the police station, Reyes chose to pursue them together with his henchman and the corrupt police offices. This was a break from his usual character, since he always delegated such duties instead of putting himself in danger. His decision to pursue proved to be a mistake as the giant vault knocked his car over. As he got out his car, he asked Hobbs to spare him but Hobbs pumped bullets into his body.

Cipher: Better Toys
Cipher inside her plane in The Fate Of The Furious

Better toys, ranging from weapons to cars are needed to defeat Dom and his family. Plenty of baddies have brought out everything they had in the franchise but they couldn’t match what “the family” had to offer.

Cipher, on the other hand, was on a whole other level. She had an untraceable plane that she used to keep Dom’s son and conduct her operations. She was also able to commandeer a submarine and hunt Dom’s team using missiles. Her possession of the Nightshade and God’s Eye made her undefeatable for a while too.

NEXT: 5 Directors Who Almost Helmed A Fast & Furious Movie (& 5 Who Should)

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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

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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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