Why Original Fast and Furious Star's Rejection Will Shock Fans
Original Fast & Furious actor shares candid insight on turning down a return to the franchise, revealing the impact of their departure Learn how Ja Rule's exit shaped the iconic film series
Ja Rule, who played Edwin in the first Fast & Furious film, has spoken out about why he decided not to return to the franchise. While the series has grown to include ten films, the rapper reportedly turned down the opportunity to come back and has not appeared in any subsequent installments. In a recent interview with Insider, Ja Rule shared that he has no regrets about his decision, stating that he could make more money touring.
What Ja Rule's Exit Meant For Fast & Furious
Rather than dwelling on missed opportunities, I choose to focus on my successful career as an artist and songwriter. My goal is to be revered as Ja Rule, the amazing artist who made a significant impact on the rap game. While some may suggest that I could have made more money by appearing in ten 'Fast & Furious' films, I had other opportunities available to me, such as directing a movie for $500,000 or going on tour and earning close to $15 million in under two months. Even if I had been offered the chance to appear in all ten movies, I would have had to do so to earn the same amount of money.
Ja Rule, a successful rapper, achieved significant recognition with his third album, Pain Is Love. Released shortly after The Fast and the Furious, the album earned him a Grammy nomination and reached the top of the Billboard 200 chart. Director John Singleton, who worked on 2 Fast 2 Furious, noted that as Ja Rule's fame grew, he became less interested in returning to the franchise. Following his departure, the artist pursued acting opportunities in various projects such as Assault on Precinct 13 and Don't Fade Away.
It's intriguing to ponder what role Ja Rule could have taken on if he had returned to the Fast & Furious franchise. Despite its explosive popularity and box office success, Ja Rule's burgeoning rap career at the time of the original movie's release made it logical for him to focus on music rather than reprise his role. However, considering the enduring popularity of the franchise and the possibility of future installments, it's tempting to imagine what kind of impact Ja Rule could have had on subsequent films, had he chosen to participate.
Source: Insider
