Fast X: Another Legendary Actress Joins The Franchise
The Fast X cast has continued to expand as legendary actor Rita Moreno has also joined the beloved franchise.
As per a report by Variety, star Vin Diesel took to his social media handle to confirm Moreno’s involvement in the forthcoming hit as Abduella, who will be the grandmother of the protagonist Dominic Torreto, played by Diesel himself.
Vin Diesel Opens Up On Rota Moreno’s Addition
“It’s been my dream forever to work with Rita Moreno, and the fact that she’s here playing my grandmother makes my soul smile, Diesel said. Moreno jokingly chimes in, joking that her age was her key to the Fast and Furious franchise. “I think my old age was waiting for you to invite me. Isn’t that nice?” said Moreno. “And I’m here and the answer is yes I’ll do it. Not only do it, but I’m also tickled. I am so thrilled, this is gonna be so much fun.” Moreno is mostly known for her lead role in 1961’s West Side Story for which she also went on to bring an Oscar home for the Best Supporting Actress.
What will be Rita Morena’s Role in Fast X?
We don’t know how Moreno’s character shall be factored into the narrative of Fast X but Vin Diesel has expressed his high hopes that Rita Moreno would board Fast X playing Dominic’s grandmother, noting that Abduella will make an appearance in the franchise before his mother.
Rita Moreno’s inclusion is the latest high-profile one to join Fast X as the movie recently confirmed some appearances from performers such as Brie Larson, Jason Momoa, Scott Eastwood, and Reacher’s Alan Ritchson. Fans may also expect several established characters returning to the mix, including the aforementioned Torretto, Letty Ortiz (Michelle Rodriguez), Cipher (Charlize Theron), and Jakob Torreto (played by John Cena).
Justin Lin Had Left The Project Earlier
However, there is one Fast and Furious alum who won’t be returning for the franchise – its director Justin Lin, who had to depart the movie during its initial stages of production. The director also went on to confirm that while he won’t be behind the camera but will still continue serving as a producer on the film.
“Over 10 years and five films, we have been able to shoot the best actors, the best stunts, and the best damn car chases,” wrote Lin. “On a personal note, as the child of Asian immigrants, I am proud of helping to build the most diverse franchise in movie history. I will forever be grateful to the amazing cast, crew, and studio for their support, and for welcoming me into the Fast family.”
After the departure of Lin, there were many reports surfacing that claimed that Justine left Fast X due to concerns around his mental health, thanks to Diesel’s on-set behavior. This conflict had been building for some time before bubbling over when Diesel gave a set of notes for the movie’s script, resulting in a “slammed door.”
Fast X will hit the theaters on May 19, 2023.
Source: Variety
