Movie director Justin Lin has announced he’s stepping back from the latest instalment in the Fast & Furious franchise, insiders citing creative differences for the split.
Lin, who has directed five previous FF films, co-wrote the screenplay for Fast X, which had recent begun production with Lin as director. But only days into shooting, Lin announced he was giving up the director’s role, although he will stay on as producer.
“With the support of Universal, I have made the difficult decision to step back as director of Fast X, while remaining with the project as a producer,” Lin said in a statement. “Over 10 years and five films, we have been able to shoot the best actors, the best stunts, and the best damn car chases.
“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.”
Related: “The Rock” Says No Chance He’ll Return To Fast & Furious, Calls Vin Diesel Manipulative
2021’s F9 was directed by Lin and earned a huge $726 million
Deadline claims that some second unit production will continue, but the rest of the team will pause briefly while executives scramble to find a replacement. The Deadline report says that a new director should be announced soon and that producers are already having conversations with potential stand-ins. There’s no word now whether the production delay will push back the release of the movie, which is due to open in theaters in May 2023.
Lin is a fan favourite, having held the reins on Tokyo Drift, Fast & Furious, Fast Five, Fast & Furious 6 and F9, and been instrumental in turning the franchise into the cultural, and money-making, juggernaut it is today. Lin’s FF films have collectively earned almost $2 billion at the box office.
Fast X is the tenth, and penultimate instalment in the 21-year-long saga and stars familiar faces like Vin Diesel and Michelle Rodriguez, along with Jason Momoa as a villain.