Renowned director Christopher Nolan recently made headlines once again for expressing his love for the Fast and Furious film saga. In an interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Nolan admitted to being a fan of the action franchise and even offered his recommendations on how to best approach watching the films.
Nolan voiced his lack of guilt in enjoying the Fast and Furious movies, stating that they are a tremendous action franchise. He expressed surprise when Colbert confessed to never having seen any of the films, exclaiming, 'I love them! I am amazed you've never seen one.'
The director went on to suggest a unique starting point for those looking to dive into the series. Rather than watching all the films chronologically, Nolan recommended beginning with the third installment, Tokyo Drift, released in 2006. This film stands out in the franchise as it doesn't feature the familiar characters of Vin Diesel or Paul Walker. Instead, the story unfolds in Japan, following a young man named Sean who discovers the world of street racing and becomes entangled with the Yakuza.
Tokyo Drift holds significance beyond its standalone storyline. It introduces the character of Han, who later becomes one of the most beloved characters in the entire Fast and Furious saga. Han's presence connects multiple films and adds depth to the overarching narrative.
While the Fast and Furious franchise has been immensely successful, the future of the series remains uncertain. With the eleventh installment confirmed but Fast X not meeting the expected success, Universal Pictures finds itself facing a mystery with the alleged final film of the main saga.
The latest movie saw the protagonist, Dominic Toretto, and his son trapped after escaping the clutches of Jason Momoa's Dante Reyes, teasing an eventual final showdown. Additionally, Dwayne Johnson made a surprise return in a brief scene, hinting at possible appearances in the upcoming films. However, recent rumors suggest that the studio may reevaluate their plans, potentially eliminating Momoa's character and refocusing on the franchise's original themes of street races and robberies.
This storyline adjustment could mean that Johnson's character would no longer have a significant role in Fast and Furious 11. With Johnson's busy schedule, including potential appearances in Moana movies and his next project with A24, it remains uncertain if he will be able to participate in the anticipated final chapter. Fast and Furious 11 is currently slated for release on April 4th, 2025.
As fans eagerly await the next installment of this beloved franchise, Christopher Nolan's recommendation to start with Tokyo Drift offers a new perspective on experiencing the series. Whether you choose to follow his advice or embark on a chronological viewing journey, the Fast and Furious movies continue to captivate audiences with their high-octane action and thrilling storylines.
