Fast & Furious 11: Why a Return to Franchise Roots Shouldn't Happen
Fast & Furious 11 is confirmed to conclude the saga, but a return to the franchise's more humble roots shouldn't happen in this installment. Here's why it's not the right time for the franchise to go smaller.
The Evolution of Fast & Furious
The Fast & Furious cinematic universe has undergone a significant evolution from its humble beginnings to its recent blockbuster, Fast X. The franchise is known for its high-octane action, larger-than-life stunts, and an ever-changing plot line. However, this transformation has led the franchise far from its original roots, focusing less on street racing and more on massive, action-packed films.
Vin Diesel's Dominic Toretto standing in front of multiple cars on fire in Fast X
Initially, the franchise centered around small-scale films that emphasized street racing and the bonds of a found family. However, over the years, it has transformed into a powerhouse of near-indestructible action and massive, high-octane blockbusters. The question arises: should the franchise return to its more humble roots?
Dominic Toretto talking to Johnny Tran in front of crew in The Fast and The Furious
The Future of Fast & Furious 11
With the confirmation of Fast & Furious 11 as the conclusion of the saga, the focus shifts to how the franchise will wrap up the ever-changing story of its characters. While some fans may long for a return to the franchise's humble roots, Fast & Furious 11 is not the place for it. The trajectory of the franchise into bigger and badder installments is likely to continue, especially after the scale and cliffhanger of Fast X.
Scaling back to evoke the franchise's origins would risk making Fast 11 feel disjointed in relation to its predecessor, Fast X, and the previous films. The most desired scenario for Fast 11 would be to continue elevating its scale until the saga's conclusion, leaving room for a grand finale that maintains the established pattern and opens new avenues for the franchise.
The Franchise's Future After Fast 11
While the main story of the saga is coming to an end, the franchise is already pursuing sequels and spinoffs, establishing an opportunity for the franchise to continue after Fast 11. The expansion of the cinematic universe presents a crucial chance for the franchise to return to its roots by experimenting with different approaches and recalling characteristics from its original movies.
As the franchise introduces new characters, storylines, and settings, it could benefit from focusing on more intimate, character-based narratives driven by modest plot lines. This transformation could breathe new life into the franchise and provide fans with a fresh perspective after the grand finale of Fast & Furious 11.
