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 sending characters to space in the 2021 film F9. The move was seen as a bold and humorous twist on the franchise, but now Langley acknowledges it may have been premature.
"We can never get that genie back," Langley said, reflecting on the decision to include a space-faring plotline in the ninth installment of the Fast and Furious series. "Looking back, I think we might have done better to save that for the final film."
The move to send characters into orbit was widely praised by fans and critics alike, with many hailing it as one of the most memorable moments in the franchise's history. However, Langley's comments suggest that the decision may have been driven more by a desire to innovate than a careful consideration of the series' overall trajectory.
The Fast and Furious franchise has long been known for its over-the-top action sequences and increasingly absurd plotlines. Since the fifth film, the series has become increasingly wild and unbelievable, with each installment pushing the boundaries of what was previously thought possible.
Langley's comments are not without precedent. In 2022, this publication dubbed the franchise "the most ridiculous, hilarious, and perfect part of the Fast and Furious series." The sentiment was echoed by fans and critics alike, who praised the film's willingness to take risks and push the boundaries of what was previously thought possible.
However, not everyone agrees with Langley's assessment. Some fans have taken to social media to express their disappointment and frustration over the decision to send characters to space. "I loved it," said one fan on Twitter. "It was a game-changer for the franchise."
The controversy surrounding F9 has sparked a wider debate about the role of risk-taking in filmmaking. While some argue that pushing the boundaries of what is possible can lead to innovative and memorable moments, others caution against the dangers of getting too caught up in trying to be bold.
As the Fast and Furious franchise continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether Langley's comments will have any impact on future installments. The tenth film, scheduled for release in 2026, is expected to continue the series' trend of increasingly absurd plotlines.
In a statement, Universal Studios confirmed that they are "exploring new and innovative ways to take the franchise forward." However, it remains unclear whether this will involve revisiting the space-faring plotline or exploring entirely new directions.
For now, fans can only wait and see what the future holds for the Fast and Furious franchise. One thing is certain: with Langley's comments, the debate over the role of risk-taking in filmmaking has never been more relevant.
*Reporting by Gizmodo.*
