Latest news with #FastAndFurious
Gizmodo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
‘Fast & Furious' Couldn't Keep Driving Like This
Every franchise, if allowed to go on long enough, hits a wall sooner or later. Nothing lasts forever, as they say, and we've seen this eventuality come sooner or later in different flavors. But not many have hit the wall quite like Fast & Furious. One of the biggest, stupidest Hollywood franchises around is now slated to end its main run of movies in April 2027 with Fast XI. It's an end that can't come soon enough, honestly. Fast X's biggest crime wasn't being half a movie—though of summer 2023's trio of half-movies, it was easily the worst of the bunch—but how much it confirmed the series' fumes had finally diminished. The question of where this series goes has always hung around post-Furious 7, which only felt conclusive because it suddenly had to be retooled as a farewell to the late Paul Walker and his character, Brian O'Connor. The writers for these characters likely weren't thinking long-term prior to Walker's passing, so it's impossible to know how this franchise would've gone on otherwise. For better or worse, Brian was an anchor being (ugh) for Fast & Furious, and things have fallen apart without him. The sequels have tried to position different characters to fill that void, but the attempted candidates—Little Nobody in Fate of the Furious, Dom's brother Jakob in F9, and ex-Fast baddies Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw—are either too green or too experienced to really settle in with the other characters, who've all been playing the same notes throughout the Fast saga. People have never really been these movies' strong suit, but it's increasingly felt like the cast is on autopilot until it's time for a car scene or stunt, not helped by the gradual pivot from an ensemble piece to 'The Dom Toretto Show (and Friends)' and increasingly dubious character swerves. (Vin Diesel's refusal to share the spotlight with anyone else may be the franchise's biggest flaw, and if you don't believe me, go watch Dungeons & Dragons to see how much more awake Michelle Rodriguez is compared to these movies. Actually, go watch that anyways because it's great.) Such nonsense can be forgiven in, say, Mission: Impossible, but those movies have smaller casts and generally employ more restraint. In the past, Fast embracing idiocy made for a fun spectacle; watching the final act of Furious 6 in theaters with a crowd was a deliriously good time. But stunt-wise, the series might've peaked with Seven or Fate, something the creative forces seem to have finally admitted to themselves. On its face, Diesel's promise of Fast XI being set in LA and returning to the car culture and street antics of the first film isn't a bad thing and may even result in some more inventive set pieces now that they have to rein themselves back in. It'll just always be funny how the series' next escalation is a de-escalation that'll have to skirt by its last movie's cliffhanger ending and hope Dwayne Jonshon and Jason Momoa's purported double act can help square that circle when or if the time comes. Come April 2027, I will likely be there in the theaters watching Fast XI with everyone else to see how things end. The series has enough good entries under its belt to warrant seeing it through to the end and seeing the inevitably messy way they bring Brian back into the fold. I just wish it were going out on better terms after all the goodwill it'd built up with its middle entries. But we got Brazil and the longest airport runway in the world, so at least there's that. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
ArabGT
2 days ago
- Automotive
- ArabGT
Fast & Furious Bids Farewell with the Return of Paul Walker
More than a decade after the tragic loss of Paul Walker in 2013, the beloved actor will once again grace the screen in the final chapter of the Fast & Furious saga. Fans of the franchise are about to witness a historic moment, as Universal prepares to bring closure to one of cinema's most enduring action legacies. According to star Vin Diesel, the eleventh installment won't just wrap up the story of Dominic Toretto and his crew—it will serve as a reunion for the entire Fast family, including Brian O'Conner, the character made iconic by Walker. Through a heartfelt and carefully crafted approach, Brian's return will mark a poignant turning point in the franchise's long history. To achieve this, the filmmakers have chosen a sophisticated method that steers clear of digital recreations or virtual simulations. Instead, the return of Brian will be made possible by integrating unseen archival footage into newly filmed scenes, edited in a way that allows for seamless interaction with the ongoing storyline. This respectful technique ensures that Walker's presence is honored authentically, while preserving the emotional weight his character carries. It also restores the sense of grounded storytelling and emotional depth that many fans felt had been diluted in recent films. Vin Diesel has emphasized that this final chapter is meant to reunite the core characters who shaped the heart of the franchise. Dom and Letty, Roman and Tej, Mia and her children—all will be brought together on screen, alongside Brian, for a farewell that feels both nostalgic and genuine. This return to form re-centers the narrative on the values that made the series resonate from the beginning: loyalty, family, and connection. In another nod to its roots, Fast & Furious 11 will revive the gritty street racing culture that defined its earliest entries. The film is set to feature authentic racing sequences shot on the streets of Los Angeles using legendary vehicles such as the Dodge Charger and Toyota Supra. The production aims to limit the use of CGI, focusing instead on realism and physical action that reflect the franchise's original tone. This shift is designed to recapture the raw energy that captivated fans in the early 2000s and distinguish the final film as a return to authenticity. The release of the eleventh film is currently scheduled for April 2027, with an official teaser expected to drop soon on YouTube. Production is projected to take between eighteen months and two years, reflecting the ambition and care behind this grand finale. It's clear that the team behind Fast & Furious wants to ensure that the story concludes with both spectacle and soul. This final installment represents more than just the end of an era—it's a carefully orchestrated tribute to the series' history, its characters, and most importantly, its fans. The return of Brian O'Conner after a decade, the full cast reunion, the revival of street racing culture, and the respectful approach to Paul Walker's legacy all combine to create a cinematic moment that is both powerful and emotionally resonant. It's not just a farewell; it's a celebration of everything the franchise has meant to millions around the world. For those who have been along for the ride since the beginning, Fast & Furious 11 promises to be the defining moment they've waited for since 2001—a final ride that brings the family full circle.
The National
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
With Paul Walker in Fast & Furious XI, eight actors who controversially 'starred' in films after their death
Paul Walker, who died 12 years ago, is set to "return" in the final Fast and Furious films. The news was revealed over the weekend by Vin Diesel – the franchise's star – during FuelFest, a car enthusiast event in California. The announcement has sparked controversy, with many fans taking to social media to voice their disapproval of what has come to be known as 'digital necromancy'. However, this is not the first time a deceased actor has been digitally recreated for a role – nor is it the first time Paul Walker has appeared in the film series posthumously. The phenomenon of reviving dead performers using technology dates back to the early 1990s, when vacuum brand Dirt Devil digitally altered footage of actor and dancer Fred Astaire. In the advertisement, Astaire appears to hold one of their products while performing a routine from his 1951 film Royal Wedding. While some viewers appreciated the technical achievement, the overall reaction from critics and fans was largely negative. Many felt it was disrespectful and exploitative – especially given that Astaire had died in 1987 and had not consented to the use of his image. His daughter, Ava Astaire McKenzie, approved the advertisement, citing her father's love of innovation and showmanship. Still, many argued the commercial crossed an ethical line by repurposing a creative legacy for commercial gain. In more recent years, advances in technology have made it possible for deceased performers to share the stage with the living. In 2012, rapper Tupac Shakur made a surprise appearance via hologram at Coachella. His digital likeness performed Hail Mary and 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted alongside Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg. Elsewhere, actress Audrey Hepburn appeared in a Galaxy chocolate advertisement in 2013, 20 years after she died. In this list, we explore notable examples of actors who appeared in films after their deaths – without having been involved in the production. Paul Walker – Furious 7 Walker's death in a car accident in 2013 shocked Hollywood. At the time, the blockbuster film Furious 7 was halfway through production, and his character, Brian O'Conner, still had a number of scenes to appear in. The studio chose to not write the character out or recast him. Instead, they used Paul Walker's brothers, Cody and Caleb, as stand-ins, and applied CGI to complete the performance. The film was adjusted to give his character a farewell, resulting in an emotional final scene where he parts ways with Diesel's character on a quiet road. Ian Holm – Alien: Romulus In one of the biggest surprises of Alien: Romulus, Ash, the android antagonist played by Ian Holm in the first Alien released in 1979, returned. The move was one of the most hotly debated choices of the 2024 film, a legacy sequel directed by Fede Alvarez and produced by series originator Ridley Scott, particularly because Holm died in 2020. Speaking to The National, Alvarez was clear that Holm's likeness has been used with the utmost respect and care to all involved, and that the idea originated from Scott, the man who cast Holm in the original film. Alvarez said : 'We came up with the idea with Ridley when we realised that the only actor who had never made a second appearance as an android was Ian Holm, who we both believe is the best in the franchise.' 'We thought it's so unfair that he never came back when Michael Fassbender did it a couple of times and Lance Henriksen did it more than a couple of times. So we thought he deserved that.' Peter Cushing – Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Celebrated British actor Peter Cushing, best known for his role as Grand Moff Tarkin in the original Star Wars film, died in 1994. More than two decades later, he returned to the screen in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The film's timeline, set just before the events of Star Wars: A New Hope, required Tarkin's presence due to his significance to the plot. Using motion capture and facial mapping technology, actor Guy Henry provided the physical and vocal performance, while Cushing's likeness was digitally reconstructed. The result received mixed reactions, as some were excited to see the character return, while others felt uneasy by the uncanny valley effect it produced. Carrie Fisher – Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Carrie Fisher 's untimely death in 2016 left the Star Wars franchise in a difficult position. Her character, General Leia Organa, was an integral part of the sequel trilogy. The filmmakers chose not to recast the role or use fully digital replacements. Instead, they worked with unused footage from The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, adapting it through new dialogue, compositing and contextual scene-building. This allowed Leia to maintain her presence in The Rise of Skywalker. Her scenes, though limited, carried emotional weight and served as a final farewell. One particularly moving moment is the character's final interaction with her son, Ben Solo, which acts as the catalyst for his redemption. Christopher Reeve – The Flash Christopher Reeve, who remains the definitive Superman for many, died in 2004. In The Flash, DC's multiverse storyline opened the door to a sequence that featured several versions of storied superheroes. In a brief moment, a digital representation of Reeve's Superman appears alongside a recreated Supergirl, portrayed by Helen Slater. Some viewers saw it as a touching tribute, while others questioned the use of his likeness without the benefit of his involvement. The moment highlighted ongoing debates around digital resurrection, particularly when it comes to actors as revered as Reeve. George Reeves – The Flash Another notable digital cameo in The Flash was that of George Reeves, who portrayed Superman in the 1950s television series, Adventures of Superman. Reeves died in 1959 under dark circumstances, yet his Superman briefly appeared during the same montage. His inclusion, like Reeve's, was intended to showcase the legacy of DC's screen history. The visual sequence depicted several parallel Earths, each home to a different version of the Man of Steel. Reeves's portrayal was recognised by older fans and served as a nod to early comic book adaptations, while many others condemned the cameo. Harold Ramis – Ghostbusters: Afterlife Harold Ramis, co-writer and star of the original Ghostbusters films, died in 2014. In Ghostbusters: Afterlife, his character Egon Spengler is central to the story, despite Ramis's absence. The film portrays Egon as having died shortly before the events of the film begin, but he remains present throughout it as a guiding force. In the film's climax, a ghostly version of Egon appears to help his granddaughter and the original Ghostbusters defeat the film's villain. The likeness was achieved using a body double and CGI. Laurence Olivier – Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow Laurence Olivier was one of Britain's greatest actors. Despite his death in 1989, he appeared in Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow in 2004, posthumously portraying the film's villain. The filmmakers used archival footage and photographs of Olivier, digitally manipulated to create the character. His appearance was entirely virtual, making him one of the earliest examples of a fully resurrected actor via computer graphics. The effect contributed to the film's unique visual style, which blended noir, steampunk and early cinematic influences.
The National
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
With Paul Walker in Fast & Furious XI, seven actors who controversially 'starred' in films after their death
Paul Walker, who died 12 years ago, is set to "return" in the final Fast and Furious films. The news was revealed over the weekend by Vin Diesel – the franchise's star – during FuelFest, a car enthusiast event in California. The announcement has sparked controversy, with many fans taking to social media to voice their disapproval of what has come to be known as 'digital necromancy'. However, this is not the first time a deceased actor has been digitally recreated for a role – nor is it the first time Paul Walker has appeared in the film series posthumously. The phenomenon of reviving dead performers using technology dates back to the early 1990s, when vacuum brand Dirt Devil digitally altered footage of actor and dancer Fred Astaire. In the advertisement, Astaire appears to hold one of their products while performing a routine from his 1951 film Royal Wedding. While some viewers appreciated the technical achievement, the overall reaction from critics and fans was largely negative. Many felt it was disrespectful and exploitative – especially given that Astaire had died in 1987 and had not consented to the use of his image. His daughter, Ava Astaire McKenzie, approved the advertisement, citing her father's love of innovation and showmanship. Still, many argued the commercial crossed an ethical line by repurposing a creative legacy for commercial gain. In more recent years, advances in technology have made it possible for deceased performers to share the stage with the living. In 2012, rapper Tupac Shakur made a surprise appearance via hologram at Coachella. His digital likeness performed Hail Mary and 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted alongside Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg. Elsewhere, actress Audrey Hepburn appeared in a Galaxy chocolate advertisement in 2013, 20 years after she died. In this list, we explore notable examples of actors who appeared in films after their deaths – without having been involved in the production. Paul Walker – Furious 7 Walker's death in a car accident in 2013 shocked Hollywood. At the time, the blockbuster film Furious 7 was halfway through production, and his character, Brian O'Conner, still had a number of scenes to appear in. The studio chose to not write the character out or recast him. Instead, they used Paul Walker's brothers, Cody and Caleb, as stand-ins, and applied CGI to complete the performance. The film was adjusted to give his character a farewell, resulting in an emotional final scene where he parts ways with Diesel's character on a quiet road. Ian Holm – Alien: Romulus In one of the biggest surprises of Alien: Romulus, Ash, the android antagonist played by Ian Holm in the first Alien released in 1979, returned. The move was one of the most hotly debated choices of the 2024 film, a legacy sequel directed by Fede Alvarez and produced by series originator Ridley Scott, particularly because Holm died in 2020. Speaking to The National, Alvarez was clear that Holm's likeness has been used with the utmost respect and care to all involved, and that the idea originated from Scott, the man who cast Holm in the original film. Alvarez said : 'We came up with the idea with Ridley when we realised that the only actor who had never made a second appearance as an android was Ian Holm, who we both believe is the best in the franchise.' 'We thought it's so unfair that he never came back when Michael Fassbender did it a couple of times and Lance Henriksen did it more than a couple of times. So we thought he deserved that.' Peter Cushing – Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Celebrated British actor Peter Cushing, best known for his role as Grand Moff Tarkin in the original Star Wars film, died in 1994. More than two decades later, he returned to the screen in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The film's timeline, set just before the events of Star Wars: A New Hope, required Tarkin's presence due to his significance to the plot. Using motion capture and facial mapping technology, actor Guy Henry provided the physical and vocal performance, while Cushing's likeness was digitally reconstructed. The result received mixed reactions, as some were excited to see the character return, while others felt uneasy by the uncanny valley effect it produced. Carrie Fisher – Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Carrie Fisher 's untimely death in 2016 left the Star Wars franchise in a difficult position. Her character, General Leia Organa, was an integral part of the sequel trilogy. The filmmakers chose not to recast the role or use fully digital replacements. Instead, they worked with unused footage from The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, adapting it through new dialogue, compositing and contextual scene-building. This allowed Leia to maintain her presence in The Rise of Skywalker. Her scenes, though limited, carried emotional weight and served as a final farewell. One particularly moving moment is the character's final interaction with her son, Ben Solo, which acts as the catalyst for his redemption. Christopher Reeve – The Flash Christopher Reeve, who remains the definitive Superman for many, died in 2004. In The Flash, DC's multiverse storyline opened the door to a sequence that featured several versions of storied superheroes. In a brief moment, a digital representation of Reeve's Superman appears alongside a recreated Supergirl, portrayed by Helen Slater. Some viewers saw it as a touching tribute, while others questioned the use of his likeness without the benefit of his involvement. The moment highlighted ongoing debates around digital resurrection, particularly when it comes to actors as revered as Reeve. George Reeves – The Flash Another notable digital cameo in The Flash was that of George Reeves, who portrayed Superman in the 1950s television series, Adventures of Superman. Reeves died in 1959 under dark circumstances, yet his Superman briefly appeared during the same montage. His inclusion, like Reeve's, was intended to showcase the legacy of DC's screen history. The visual sequence depicted several parallel Earths, each home to a different version of the Man of Steel. Reeves's portrayal was recognised by older fans and served as a nod to early comic book adaptations, while many others condemned the cameo. Harold Ramis – Ghostbusters: Afterlife Harold Ramis, co-writer and star of the original Ghostbusters films, died in 2014. In Ghostbusters: Afterlife, his character Egon Spengler is central to the story, despite Ramis's absence. The film portrays Egon as having died shortly before the events of the film begin, but he remains present throughout it as a guiding force. In the film's climax, a ghostly version of Egon appears to help his granddaughter and the original Ghostbusters defeat the film's villain. The likeness was achieved using a body double and CGI. Laurence Olivier – Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow Laurence Olivier was one of Britain's greatest actors. Despite his death in 1989, he appeared in Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow in 2004, posthumously portraying the film's villain. The filmmakers used archival footage and photographs of Olivier, digitally manipulated to create the character. His appearance was entirely virtual, making him one of the earliest examples of a fully resurrected actor via computer graphics. The effect contributed to the film's unique visual style, which blended noir, steampunk and early cinematic influences.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Hollywood action hero looks unrecognisable while showing off his body popping skills as notorious 1980s breakdancing tutorial resurfaces
With his bald head, resonant voice and muscular physique he generally needs no introduction. But one could be forgiven for overlooking this American actor - now established as one of Hollywood's more profitable action heroes - as he shows off some impressive street dancing skills in a recently unearthed video. Dressed in a nylon tracksuit, the soon-to-be star takes centre stage in an episode of Breakin' in the USA: Break Dancing and Electric Boogie Taught by the Pros. Filmed in 1984, the American show capitalised on the decade's breakdancing and body-popping boom by staging a series of step-by-step tutorials with the help of accomplished street dancers. Joined by an equally accomplished friend, the then 17-year old dancer shows off some slick freestyle moves before teaching viewers how to 'scramble foot-to-foot.' But who is this star-in-the making? That's right, it's Vin Diesel! The superstar actor - best known for his starring role in the long-running Fast & Furious film franchise - previously revealed his surprising past during an appearance on the Tonight Show With Jay Leno in 2011. Diesel told Leno he used to sneak into New York City nightclubs when he was a teenager to practise his dancing skills. But he seemed shocked, when the chat show host brought out an old VHS tape featuring a group of young dancers including a baby-faced Diesel. 'I'd never seen that copy... that's incredible,' the actor said when Leno held up a tattered copy of Breakin' in the USA. Leno joked that the tape was so old, they didn't have a machine at NBC studios to watch it. 'We had to go like to the store and get some kind of VHS kind of thing to play it,' he quipped. The how-to video features a follically unchallenged Diesel, whose real name is Mark Sinclair Vincent, sporting a blue headband and a blue tracksuit as he demonstrates a series of dance moves. Filmed in 1984, the American show capitalised on the decade's breakdancing and body-popping boom by staging a series of step-by-step tutorials with the help of street dancers Breakdancing was a popular style of street dance at the time, created as part of hip-hop culture in New York City back in the 1980's. Diesel laughed several times as he watched clips of himself dancing, then joked: 'Those were the good ol' days.' In 2015, Diesel claimed his dancing skills landed him a job with iconic rap trio Beastie Boys, who enjoyed enormous success throughout the 1980s and '90s - a story that was later refuted by band-member Adam Horovitz. The actor's breakdancing past has emerged after he took the stage at Fuel Fest in California on Saturday night, where he offered an update on Fast X Part 2. 'The studio said to me, "Vin, can we please have the finale of Fast and Furious [in] April 2027?"' Diesel said, confirming the release date. 'I said, "Under three conditions." First, is to bring the franchise back to L.A.! The second thing was to return to the car culture, to the street racing!' He added: 'The third thing was reuniting Dom and Brian O'Conner,' referring to the late Paul Walker's beloved character. The Fast & Furious film franchise has grossed a whopping $7.2 billion at the global box office since its launch in 2001.
