Vin Diesel, star, producer (since 2008) and co-creator of the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise, has confirmed that the series will come to an end, but…amusingly / ironically, not before ‘one last Trilogy to end the saga’.
If you’ve lost track, there have been seven films up until now, not counting two short films named ‘Turbo-Charged Prelude’ in 2003 and ‘Los Bandoleros’ in 2009. The most recent one was ‘Furious 7’ released earlier this year, which grossed over $1.5 billion worldwide at the box office, no doubt boosted by the untimely death of co-star Paul Walker.
In a posting on his Facebook page, Diesel (or one of his publicists) wrote that he will be the producer of the trilogy, which will purportedly complete the franchise, while also addressing rumors about taking the directing reins for the next film, Fast 8.
Here’s what he wrote:
“The fans of the Fast & Furious SAGA are the best fans in the world… Since I became the Producer in 2008, you have been with me every step of the way… literally giving me feedback that proved invaluable. Thank you.
My producing partner Neal would love for me to just sign off on a director, but this is too special a franchise, so these matters have to be very carefully handled. To be clear, NO ONE has been offered to helm Fast 8 yet… let alone seen a script.
Universal has been so good to me and so trusting of the vision… they have been like family… I promised the studio I would deliver one last Trilogy to end the saga.
I will announce the directors on my next post…”