Universal Executive Regrets Most Hilarious Part of 'Fast and Furious' Franchise
LOS ANGELES - In a recent interview with Variety, Donna Langley, Chief Content Officer for NBCUniversal Studio Group, expressed regret over the decision to send characters into space in the 2021 film F9. The move, which was met with widespread acclaim and laughter from fans, has been hailed as one of the most memorable moments in the franchise's history.
Langley acknowledged that while the space-faring sequence was a "hilarious" and "perfect" part of the series, it may have been premature to include it so early on. "I'm sorry that we sent them into space," she said. "We can never get that genie back."
The decision to send characters into space was not taken lightly, according to Langley. The franchise has always pushed the boundaries of what is possible in an action film, but this particular move marked a new level of absurdity. "Going to space would have been a perfect finale," she noted.
Background and context reveal that the 'Fast and Furious' franchise has long been known for its over-the-top stunts and storylines. Since the fifth installment, the series has continued to escalate in terms of action and spectacle. The decision to send characters into space was seen as a natural progression of this trend.
Industry experts and fans alike have weighed in on Langley's comments. "It's not surprising that they're regretting it now," said film critic and pop culture commentator, Germain Lussier. "The franchise has always been about pushing the limits, but sometimes you have to know when to stop."
Fans of the series have also shared their thoughts on social media, with many expressing disappointment at Langley's comments. "I loved the space sequence," tweeted @FastFan4Life. "It was a game-changer for the franchise and I'm glad they took risks like that."
As for what this means for future installments of the series, it remains to be seen. Universal Studios has not commented on whether Langley's regret will influence their approach to future films.
The 'Fast and Furious' franchise continues to be a cultural phenomenon, with its latest installment, Fast X, set to hit theaters in 2023. As the series hurtles towards its conclusion, fans can only wonder what other surprises are in store for them.
In related news, Universal Studios has announced plans to develop a spin-off film featuring Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his crew as they explore new frontiers in space. The project is still in development, but it's clear that the studio is committed to exploring the possibilities of the franchise's most memorable moment.
As the 'Fast and Furious' franchise continues to evolve, one thing is certain: its impact on popular culture will be felt for years to come.
*Reporting by Gizmodo.*