Vin Diesel’s tearful reaction to the unread Fast Forever script

The sprawling, high-octane world of the Fast franchise has reached an unforgettable pause, leaving fans hanging on a thread of adrenaline. After the dramatic conclusion of Fast X, anticipation for its long-awaited sequel, Fast Forever, has only intensified. This extended wait positions the franchise for what promises to be one of the most epic cinematic events yet, though the clock is ticking toward an ambitious release date of March 17, 2028.

While the target date feels distant, the creative process behind the sequel suggests that the film will be a significant evolution. Director Louis Leterrier has weighed in on the timing, acknowledging that so much time has passed since the last installment that the project needs to fully align with the shifting currents of the box office landscape.

Leterrier stressed that while his enthusiasm for the franchise remains boundless—he absolutely loves Fast—the evolution demands careful consideration. He noted that filmmakers must adjust their vision and budgetary needs to match the evolving tastes and realities of modern cinema, a reality he confidently states is fine.

“Movies have evolved and tastes have evolved and the box office has evolved,” Leterrier explained. “So we have to align our budgetary needs to the reality of the box office. We know that, and it’ll be fine.”

Despite this practical perspective, the passion fueling the project remains palpable. Leterrier confirmed that he is still contracted to direct Fast Forever, though he anticipates some changes in the production budget as the project moves forward.

The emotional core of this cinematic journey, however, lies in the script itself. The writing behind the sequel proved to be a source of profound emotion for one of the franchise’s biggest stars. Vin Diesel recently shared that reading the screenplay for Fast Forever by Michael Lesslie brought him to tears.

Diesel described the experience as uniquely moving: “You have no idea… When March 17th 2028 comes… I just read the ‘Fast Forever’ script by Mike Leslie. It is the best script I have read in decades. I am still crying.”

Even the director shares in the sentiment, noting that while he is immensely excited for the project, he is still immersed in the demanding process of creation: “I love this franchise, and I hope we get to finish in the best way possible,” Leterrier shared.