Although principal shooting for Universal’s 10th Fast & Furious 10th Fast & Furious movie was just beginning, Justin Lin has announced that he’s not going to as the director it’s a surprise change of circumstances that’s likely to bring the production to a standstill.
This past Tuesday Lin made public the announcement in a statement to the public saying that he has decided to end Fast X with Universal’s support. He also said that he will continue working on the project, which was written by him and Dan Mazeau, as a producer.
“Over 10 years and five films, we have been able to shoot the best actors, the best stunts, and the best damn car chases,” Lin explained. “On an individual note, as a kind of Asian immigrant, I’m proud of having helped to create an iconic franchise with the broadest range of characters in cinema history. I will always be thankful to the fantastic team, cast, and studio for their assistance and for accepting me as part of”the Fast family.”
Although Lin stated that his decision to step down from the film was a mutually beneficial one, Deadline informs that his decision was based on creative disagreements that now will necessitate Universal to choose a different director to oversee the project. At present, the second unit footage is currently being shot however the production of Fast X will briefly be stopped while a replacement director can be hired who is up to current standards and take over from Lin. Based on the popularity of the Fast films Universal has every reason to want to slow down production as we move close to the Fast X‘s previously scheduled date of May 19, 2023 date of release for theatrical releases. With Lin leaving the studio will be required to ensure that the successor will have the same vision and ambition to maintain the Fast X series on the right track.