The Fast and Furious saga had been on a wild ride after all the globe-trotting storyline and epic car chases, but the most insane of it all was definitely the controversies behind the camera. Justin Lin, longtime director of the franchise, shockingly quit the project in the midst of production for curious reasons.
Many speculations were raised, including a feud with actor Vin Diesel and creative differences with the studio. Whatever the real reasons are, Lin never confirmed nor denied these rumors.
Fast and Furious Director Justin Lin Opens Up About His Exit From The Franchise
During his interview with Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, director Justin Lin broke his silence on his infamous departure from the Fast and Furious movie. Despite the descriptions provided by sources that his exit was messy and chaotic, he assured fans that he has nothing but love for the studio and the cast members.
“The studio has been nothing but trusting. It really just means everything to me. Whether I like it or not, I’m going to be linked to this franchise. Even when I was away between 6 and 9, I’m always rooting for it. There’s nothing but positivity.”
He further addressed the issue of his clash with Vin Diesel, noting that something as private as disagreements between cast and crew should not have been exposed to the world. In the end, he claimed the matter was insignificant.
“Whatever drama… I’m just kind of bummed it had to get out in the public. I’d rather have the characters speak for the franchise. Whatever happened, it shouldn’t be important.”
Lin still served as producer of the movie after he dropped out. His work and contribution helped shape the franchise, and whatever assistance he could give to the rest of the crew, he was more than willing to facilitate.
“I was there, whatever they needed, whatever Louis [Leterrier] or anybody… I just want to be supportive. I think that’s the spirit of that situation and overall, that’s important to me.”
Louis Leterrier stepped in as the new director, with a screenplay written by Dan Mazeau, Justin Lin, and Zach Dean. Fast X grossed over $714 million against a budget of $340 million.
What Really Happened Behind The Scenes Of Fast X?
A source told The Hollywood Reporter that director Justin Lin had a “major disagreement” with Vin Diesel during a meeting that ended by slamming the door. The insider shared, “Justin finally had enough and said, ‘This movie is not worth my mental health.’ ”
However, a spokesperson from Universal said that “any creative differences leading to Justin Lin’s exit were with the studio, not with fellow producers, cast or crew.”
Two days after the heated argument, the studio decided to let go of Lin, though he would remain part of the project as producer. The following day, the director officially announced on his social media platforms that he had left Fast X.
The Fast and Furious saga has been a long-enduring narrative, and the feud that happened within its production house only showed how intense the pressure is on everyone involved. Both parties declined to comment or confirm the controversy, and it remains to be seen how this will affect the franchise in the long run.
