As Fast X has already quickly replaced director Justin Lin with Louis Leterrier (Now You See Me), reports are starting to come out about the abrupt personnel change. According to the New York Daily News, Lin quit due to friction with franchise star Vin Diesel.
“Diesel shows up late to the set,” an unnamed source told the publication. “He doesn’t know his lines. And he shows up out of shape… no one is dissing Vin Diesel on the record, but everyone knows.”
It’s unlikely Lin will weigh in on such rumors, as he is still involved in the project as a producer. However, this is not the first case of Diesel and the Fast franchise running into friction. Infamously, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson also quit after years of feuding with Diesel–as far back as in 2016 on the then-upcoming Fast & Furious 8, Johnson posted an Instagram post seemingly throwing shade against Diesel without naming him specifically. By 2021, Johnson said their feud has ended.
Fast X recently began production. In addition to Diesel, most of the rest of the cast is expected back, including Diesel himself, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, and Sung Kang, but John Cena hasn’t confirmed his return yet. Brie Larson and Jason Momoa are franchise newcomers. The movie opens in May 2023.
