Fast X's Heartbreaking Twist Leaves One Star Devastated

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Fast X! One of the most heartbreaking moments in the Fast and Furious franchise occurs in Fast X, and it left one of its lead actors feeling upset. Fast X marks the beginning of the final arc for the franchise, with Jason Momoa's character Dante Reyes seeking revenge against Dom Toretto. As the stakes get higher, some family members fall victim to Reyes' plans, including Dom's younger brother Jakob, played by John Cena.

Director Louis Leterrier shared in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that Cena was initially upset about Jakob's death. However, Leterrier was able to explain to Cena that Jakob's death was necessary to allow him to make a heroic sacrifice after bonding with Dom's son Brian, portrayed by Leo Abelo Perry. Despite the emotional impact of Jakob's death, it serves as a pivotal moment in the film's storyline.

"That was my original idea, one of the concepts I developed early on," explains the actor.

He goes on to describe his unique interpretation of the character, stating, "While he can certainly be a badass, he is not a bad guy at heart. There isn't a mean bone in his body. As you can see in my portrayal of him, he is quite different from his appearance in F9. My version of Uncle Jakob is someone who has learned to care for another person, despite never having experienced love himself. Now, he feels a deep affection for Little B and is moved when the child says, 'I love you, Uncle Jakob,' or when Mia implores him to 'protect him with your life.' All of these experiences have transformed him into the caring uncle he always wanted to be."

The decision to kill off Jakob in Fast X was not an easy one, but it was necessary for the emotional impact of the story. As director Justin Lin explained, he had a conversation with John Cena about sacrificing himself to save his brother's son, which initially upset him. However, after pitching the idea and discussing the character's motivations, Cena's performance was elevated. He understood that by showing love and making the sacrifice, it would make the emotional impact of his death even greater. Thus, the decision to kill off Jakob was not made lightly, but it was essential for the story's emotional arc.

Dante, played by the talented Jason Momoa, has already established himself as a formidable villain in the Fast & Furious franchise. He wreaked havoc on Toretto's team and family, leaving a lasting impression as a menacing adversary. With his return in Fast & Furious 11 still looming, the stakes are higher than ever. The death of Jakob in Fast X only adds to the danger they face, forcing Dom to make a difficult decision in order to retrieve his son from Dante's clutches.

In Fast X, Jason Momoa's villain is a formidable character designed to leave a lasting impact on the franchise. He seeks revenge against the family for his father's death, which makes him a mirror image of Dom in many ways, both fighting for their respective families. However, Jakob's death highlights the contrast in their motivations, as Dante seeks vengeance while Dom and Jakob are driven by a desire to protect their loved ones.

Moreover, Jakob's character is further fleshed out in the film, especially in relation to Little Brian. Their growing bond shows that Jakob is not just a ruthless villain, but also a caring family man who will go to any lengths to ensure their safety. Ultimately, Jakob's tragic sacrifice becomes the emotional center of Fast X, allowing him to go out as a hero in his own right.

Source: EW