Fast X: Louis Leterrier should replace Justin Lin as director

Fast X may have found its new director. Universal Pictures has reportedly lined up Louis Leterrier to replace Justin Lin in the Fast X director’s chair. This news comes nearly a week after it was confirmed that Justin Lin was stepping down as director of the 10th installment in the Fast & Furious. This will be Leterrier’s first outing leading a Fast & Furious film. However, he is credited with directing The Incredible Hulk (2008), Now You See Me, and the first two Transporter films.

A recent report from Variety suggests that Leterrier was Universal Pictures’ first choice to helm Fast X following Lin’s exit as director. The deal has reportedly not yet been finalized.

This revelation would be good news for the studio as the absence of a director would cost it up to $1 million (around Rs 7.65 crore) per day to keep the cast and crew on. The report also suggests that Universal Pictures would be looking to wrap up negotiations soon to avoid future scheduling conflicts for stars like Jason Momoa, Charlize Theron and Brie Larson who are also in other established movie franchises.

Leterrier is expected to have a tough job ahead, as the film had already been in production for a week under Lin. Vin Diesel, Theron and Momoa are reportedly already on set, but production has been halted on the main unit. The second unit would have continued to tour in the UK. Additionally, Fast X would have originally been written as the first part of a two-part conclusion to the Fast & Furious franchise. We don’t know if that will change.

Lin announced his departure on April 26, citing “creative differences.” He had directed five films in the Fast & Furious franchise and co-wrote Fast X with Dan Mazeau. Lin remains on board as producer of this film.

Fast X is set to release on May 19, 2023.