We all love the Fast and the Furious franchise — but Universal Studios has some conditions before it’s willing to fund the final film, especially given the project’s massive budget.
More than two years after Fast X, the Wall Street Journal reports that the next installment hasn’t been officially greenlit yet — no release date has been set, and the script isn’t final. Many of the core cast members also haven’t signed on to return.
Why? The current script, according to reports, would demand a budget of around $250 million. The studio has reportedly told filmmakers they won’t approve production unless costs are reduced by 20%. The hesitation stems from Fast X’s performance in 2023, which earned $705 million worldwide against a $340 million budget — the franchise’s lowest gross in over a decade.
The sequel, initially called Fast X: Part Two, was meant to hit theaters this year. Vin Diesel, the film’s lead, claimed last summer that it would arrive in April 2027 — though no official confirmation exists.
Back in June, Diesel spoke about the next chapter during a visit to Fuel Fest, a car enthusiasts event in Los Angeles.
“The studio asked me, ‘Vin, can we please have the finale of Fast and Furious in April 2027?’” Diesel told the crowd. “I said, ‘Under three conditions.’ First, bring the franchise back to L.A.! Second, return to car culture and street racing! Third, reunite Dom and Brian O’Conner.”
Given that Paul Walker, who portrayed Brian O’Conner, has passed away, it’s unclear how Diesel intends to bring the character back — though hopefully, he isn’t planning to use digital recreation. No one wants that.
There’s also the question of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s possible return. In January, Vin Diesel retracted a comment he made about Johnson while presenting an award at the 2025 Golden Globes. Diesel later posted an old photo of himself and Johnson on Instagram with the caption “All love... Always,” after Diesel teased the well-known rift between them by saying, “Hey, Dwayne,” during his speech and laughing at the audience’s reaction.
