Vin Diesel's Fast Forever Claims Clash With Universal's Silence
Despite Vin Diesel's emotional social media updates, Fast & Furious 11, titled Fast Forever, has no script, director, or green light from Universal.
Vin Diesel says he wept reading the script for Fast Forever and hinted he might direct it, but Universal Pictures has not officially greenlit the movie. The star's announcements, including a claim the film will arrive in spring 2028, are reportedly ahead of the studio's actual plans. Cody Walker, brother of the late Paul Walker, confirmed that when Diesel announced Fast Forever onstage, Universal had not given the project formal approval.
No script, no director, no timeline
Despite Diesel's enthusiasm, Fast Forever lacks fundamental components. No script has existed at any point. Louis Leterrier, who directed Fast X, is not expected to return and has admitted he never saw a screenplay. With no footage shot, production cannot begin until early 2028 at the earliest. This makes the current March 2028 release date unrealistic. Another delay, likely pushing the film into 2029, is now expected.
| Component | Status |
|---|---|
| Script | Does not exist |
| Director | Louis Leterrier not returning; Universal searching for new filmmaker |
| Production Start | Not before early 2028 |
| Release Date | March 2028 considered impossible; 2029 delay likely |
Budget pressure and franchise future
Creative hurdles are matched by financial ones. Universal reportedly wants Vin Diesel to slash nearly $150 million from the Fast Forever budget. The studio is also considering a generational shift for the multi-billion dollar franchise, potentially passing the torch from Dominic Toretto to a younger cast.
Charles Melton's rising profile and franchise links
One name surfacing in Universal's future plans is Charles Melton. The actor, praised for his role in May December and appearing in Beef season two, has no offer for Fast Forever because there is no script to send him. However, he is reportedly being considered for a role. Melton's profile is high, with upcoming projects including Warfare from Alex Garland, Her Private Hell from Nicolas Winding Refn, Saturn Return from Greg Kwedar, and Audition from Lulu Wang. He also has a significant role in an upcoming Universal sci-fi movie from directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, known as the Daniels.
Franchise legacy and uncertain future
The Fast & Furious franchise has earned billions and featured increasingly absurd stunts across ten films. Vin Diesel wants to give his character, Dom Toretto, a proper sendoff and has even teased using AI technology to bring back Paul Walker. Yet Fast Forever faces profound delays and creative uncertainty. The situation involves two competing rumour mills: one driven by Diesel's social media updates and the other by behind-the-scenes reports of no progress. Universal is reportedly searching for a new filmmaker for Fast Forever.
