The Fast & Furious franchise is approaching the finish line. Series star Vin Diesel told The Associated Press that the "saga" will come to an end after two more movies, though the wider "Fast and Furious cinematic universe" will go on. He also explained his reasoning for ending the series, which is something he's been discussing since 2017.
He told the site that the final two films could release in 2023 and 2024. "Every story deserves its own ending," he said. While the main series might be ending, Diesel said the wider F&F universe will continue in some other way. There has already been a spin-off in the form of Hobbs & Shaw, which released in 2018 and made more than $750 million at the box office.
"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 has deserved it."
The idea to end the series came from a conversation between Diesel and director Justin Lin. "We got together and Vin says, 'I think we should think about closing up the saga now,'" Lin said. The AP also reported that Lin will direct the final two films.
The Fast & Furious series, like The Lord of the Rings, celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The latest movie, F9, comes to cinemas on June 25. It's already out internationally, where it's made more than $250 million. Expectations are high for the US release, too.
"This franchise was born from the pavement, from the concrete," Diesel said. "The world just championed this underdog to a place where it has already surpassed all of these other franchises. But the franchise has a soul, and that soul has to rest."
GameSpot's F9 review said the film is the "perfect movie to welcome you back to the theater."
"After a year of staying home, this is worth the trip to your local cineplex. It's loud, explosive, and filled with the type of action dying to be seen on the big screen in a room with other fans to go along with you on the ride," reviewer Chris Hayner said.