Los Angeles: Hollywood star Vin Diesel said that the Fast and Furious saga is ending after two more films following the upcoming ninth installment, F9, which releases in theaters June 25. He said Universal Pictures wants to close out the saga in two parts. The actor said the final two films could potentially release in 2023 then 2024.
"Every story deserves its own ending," said Diesel during a press junket for F9 when asked about the franchise's future. Despite the end of the saga, he said the Fast and Furious cinematic universe will continue on.
When Diesel told his daughter about the franchise's conclusion, the actor said she began shedding tears. "I know people are going to feel like it doesn't have to end, but I think all good things should," he said. "There are reasons for a finale. I think this franchise has deserved it."
Diesel has starred as Dominic Toretto since the franchise's inaugural film The Fast and Furious in 2001. The movies have become big earners at the domestic and international box office, with the past two films each making more than $1 billion.
Director Justin Lin said the idea of finishing the saga came during a conversation with Diesel, who has played the leading role in eight Fast and Furious films.
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"We got together and Vin says 'I think we should think about closing up the saga now,'" said Lin, who has directed five of the franchise's films. He will direct the final two installments.
"Nine is kind of the first film of the final chapter," the director said. "We're kind of reconfiguring everything, so that the next two movies should wrap up this amazing journey for these characters."
Diesel said the franchise has come a long way, but he finally sees a finish line. "This franchise was born from the pavement, from the concrete," he said. "The world just championed this underdog to a place where it has already surpassed all of these other franchises. But the franchise has a soul, and that soul has to rest."
