Photo: Rodin Eckenroth/Getty
Justin Lin, who was set to directFast X— the 10th installment of theFast & Furiousfranchise — has announced he will no longer serve in that role for the upcoming film.
On Tuesday, Lin, who co-wrote the film with Dan Mazeau and directed five other films in the franchise, shared the news via a statement on the movie’sInstagramaccount.
“With the support of Universal, I have made the difficult decision to step back as director of FAST X,” the statement read, adding that he will remain working on the project in a producer capacity.
“Over 10 years and five films, we have been able to shoot the best actors, the best stunts, and the best damn car chases,” he continued. “On a personal note, as the child of Asian immigrants, I am proud of helping to build the most diverse franchise in movie history.”
“I will forever be grateful to the amazing cast, crew and studio for their support, and for welcoming me into the FAST family,” he concluded.
Fast Xbegan filming last week, with longtime starsVin Diesel,Michelle Rodriguez,Sung Kang,Ludacris,Jordana Brewster,Tyrese GibsonandNathalie Emmanuelexpected to return. Also returning is rapperCardi B, who had a much-talked-about cameo inF9.
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Lin directed five previous movies in the franchise, joining the series in its third installment, 2006’sThe Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. He later went on to directFast & Furious(2009),Fast Five(2011) andFast & Furious 6(2013).
He did not direct the 7th and 8th installments, but returned for last year’sF9, which earned more than $720 million worldwide.
Earlier this month, Diesel, 54, announced thatBrie Larsonhad joined the cast ofFast X,sharing a selfie with theAcademy Awardwinner on his Instagram grid.
“Yeah yeah yeah … you see this angel over my shoulder cracking me up, you say to your self ‘That’scaptain Marvel,’ " hebegan his caption. “Clearly there is love and laughter in this image. What you don’t see however, is the character you will be introduced to inFast10.”
Diesel added, “You have no idea how timeless and amazing she will be in our mythology. Beyond her beauty, her intellect … her Oscar, haha is this profound soul who will add something you might not have expected but yearned for.Welcome to the FAMILY Brie.”
In addition to Larson, 32,Jason Momoawill join the 10th installment alongsideCharlize Theron, who will reprise her role as Cipher in the franchise.
Fast Xis scheduled to hit theaters on May 19, 2023.
source: people.com
