Universal obviously isn’t confirming this new report from Deadline considering it would show something of a lack of faith in Furious 7 director James Wan, but word is the studio is attempting to court Justin Lin to return and put the finishing touches on the Fast and Furious franchise by directing what seems to be suggested to be the final installment. Here’s how the report reads:
I am not getting anything from the studio on this, but here’s what I hear: I expect Lin and Universal to begin talking again about him directing a multi-part production that will lead to multiple movies shot together and will wave the checkered flag on the Fast & Furious franchise.
Now, that’s not exactly straight-forward. In fact, it doesn’t entirely make sense or present the entire picture, but my interpretation is to assume Deadline’s Mike Fleming is saying Universal wants to get Lin locked in for a multi-picture deal, one of which would be a final film in the Fast & Furious franchise. In this case that may or may not mean Fast and Furious 8, but could also mean a ninth film so as to create three separate trilogies.
The only thing I have to wonder about is why Universal would end the franchise at all. Fast & Furious 6 made $788 million worldwide, Furious 7 is likely to top that once it arrives April 3, 2015 and if they make an eighth one, which I pray they call Fast & Furious: F8 or Fast & Furious: F8 & Family, it only stands to reason they can soon top $1 billion for one of these, add a few new characters, retire Vin Diesel and start anew.
Getting back to my opening paragraph and what could be perceived as a lack of confidence in Wan, this could also have something to do with why Wan suddenly decided to return to direct The Conjuring 2, which was recently moved from its planned 2015 date to June 10, 2016.
Either way, perhaps Universal will get Lin back in the Fast and Furious saddle. It only makes sense considering he directed The Fast and the Furious 3: Tokyo Drift, Fast and Furious, Fast Five and Fast & Furious 6 and this new deal may also include that Bourne sequel he’s supposed to direct, the one starring Jeremy Renner as Paul Greengrass will reportedly be returning with Matt Damon for the one now due out in 2016. Oh, what a twisted web this is.
Here, just watch the Furious 7 trailer again and let’s worry about this when we have some actual facts.
