Hidden Hero: David Ayer Shares Exasperation Over Being Consistently Overlooked for Fast & Furious Writing Contributions

Summary

David Ayer, the screenwriter of The Fast and the Furious, feels that he doesn't receive recognition for his work on the hugely successful franchise.

Ayer divulges his techniques in revising the initial script, infusing aspects of street racing subculture and embracing diversity within the narrative. He holds the belief that his exclusion from the franchise's storytelling stemmed from his status as an outsider and lack of involvement in the industry's social gatherings.

The Fast and the Furious screenwriter David Ayer feels frustrated that he doesn't receive proper recognition for writing the movie that launched the highly successful multimedia franchise. Despite being widely known for his work as the writer-director of Suicide Squad in 2016, as well as writing Training Day and directing Bright, Ayer believes his contribution to the original 2001 The Fast and the Furious is often overlooked. The film depicted the developing bond between LAPD officer Brian O'Conner (portrayed by Paul Walker) and street racer Dom Toretto (played by Vin Diesel) during an undercover operation.

I am not a part of the biggest franchise in Hollywood. I have nothing to show for it because of how the business operates.

The script I received was initially based in New York, with a focus on Italian kids. I refused to accept it unless I could change the setting to L.A. and represent the people I am familiar with. Therefore, I began incorporating characters of color, street elements, and cultural references. At that time, nobody had much knowledge about street racing.

I visited a shop in the Valley where I met some pioneers in hacking fuel curves for injectors and similar technology. They had recently discovered this technique and were demonstrating it. Excited by their findings, I decided to incorporate it into my movie.

The underlying idea is that I have never really done anything significant myself. People manipulate and shape narratives to their advantage, asserting control over them. As an outsider who doesn't attend parties or engage in social activities, I have always been excluded from this narrative management. It is those who participate in these social circles that have the power to control and shape narratives. Unlike them, I have always been seen as a mysterious, creative individual to be cautious of.

The Fast Saga Has Come A Long Way Since 2001

The Fast and the Furious franchise has expanded significantly since the release of the original movie. With the upcoming release of Fast X in 2023, which marks the beginning of a multi-part finale, it may seem like the end. However, with 10 movies, the spinoff Hobbs & Shaw, and the animated series Fast & Furious Spy Racers already part of the franchise, it is unlikely that it will truly conclude there. It may instead venture into various spinoff possibilities.

Currently, the Fast and Furious franchise has evolved in ways that make it almost unrecognizable from the original crime story. The death of Walker, who played a pivotal role in the series, is one factor that has altered the franchise. Furthermore, each subsequent entry has become grander and more action-packed. Taking inspiration from blockbuster spy thrillers such as Mission: Impossible, the franchise's renowned car stunts now include jaw-dropping feats like cars parachuting from airplanes or clinging onto cliffs.

The success of the franchise would not have been possible without the original movie, The Fast and the Furious. It allowed viewers to connect with and develop a fondness for characters like Brian, Dom, Letty, and Mia, who continue to be crucial members of the ensemble cast. Released in 2001, this film laid the foundation for the franchise's future and owes much to Ayer's contributions.