Vin Diesel made a mark as the street racer patriarch in the Fast and Furious franchise, but the storyline starring his long standing character will soon come to an end. Diesel said that the Fast and Furious saga will conclude after two more films following the upcoming ninth installment, F9, which releases in theaters June 25. He said Universal Pictures wants to close out the saga in two parts. The actor said the final two films could potentially be released in 2023 and 2024.
“Every story deserves its own ending,” said Diesel during a press junket for F9 when asked about the franchise’s future. Despite the end of the saga, he said the Fast and Furious cinematic universe will continue on. When Diesel told his daughter about the franchise’s conclusion, the actor said she began shedding tears. “I know people are going to feel like it doesn’t have to end, but I think all good things should,” he said. “There are reasons for a finale. I think this franchise deserves it.” Diesel has starred as Dominic Toretto since the franchise’s inaugural film The Fast and Furious in 2001. The movies have become big earners at the domestic and international box office, with the past two films each making more than $1 billion.
Last year, Universal pushed back the release of F9 due to the coronavirus outbreak. The new film not only brings back a fan favorite — Sung Kang’s Han — along with new additions including John Cena, but the story will also literally send a car into space. It’s expected to be one of the season’s biggest hits. Director Justin Lin said the idea of finishing the saga came during a conversation with Diesel, who has played the leading role in eight Fast and Furious films. “We got together and Vin said ‘I think we should think about closing up the saga now,’” said Lin, who has directed five of the franchise’s films. He will direct the final two installments.
