“He is really twisted”: Fast X Director Says a Jason Momoa Fast X Scene Was So F**ked Up it Angered Test Audiences
Jason Momoa’s portrayal of Dante Reyes, the antagonist in Fast X, has left a lasting impression on audiences. Throughout the film, there are numerous scenes that emphasize Reyes’ formidable presence and indicate that he is not just another run-of-the-mill villain. The film even dubs him as the franchise’s ultimate adversary, the “final boss,” adding to the sense of unease surrounding his character. However, there is one particular scene that managed to make its way into the final cut, surprising director Louis Leterrier, as it elicited mixed reactions from test audiences.
While opinions on this scene may be divided, one thing remains certain: the more Jason Momoa, the better. It is widely acknowledged that his involvement in the film significantly enhances its overall quality. Therefore, the decision to include this controversial scene can be viewed as a deliberate choice that ultimately had a positive impact on the movie. Now, let’s delve into the nature of this contentious Jason Momoa scene in Fast X.
Read More: Aquaman Star Jason Momoa In Talks To Star In Fast And Furious 10
Which Scene of Jason Momoa in Fast X Angered Test Audiences?
In what could be described as the franchise’s most “twisted” moment, Dante Reyes, portrayed by Jason Momoa, the vengeful offspring of Hernan Reyes (Joaquim de Almeida), the antagonist from Fast Five, engages in a disturbing soliloquy with two deceased henchmen whom he deems expendable.
Read More: Jason Momoa Back on the Market as Aquaman Star Splits-Up With Mexican Bombshell Eiza Gonzalez
Adding to the unsettling atmosphere, Dante nonchalantly paints the toenail of one of the lifeless thugs. This particular scene evoked a wide range of reactions among test audiences, leading to a divisive reception. However, it was Donna Langley, the Chairman of Universal Pictures, who played the decisive role in its inclusion.
Director Louis Leterrier sheds light on the scene’s purpose, stating:
“Our aim was to provide a glimpse into Dante’s depraved nature behind closed doors, establishing that his twisted tendencies are not merely an act. Initially, we shot the scene with the expectation that it might serve as an extra on the DVD or be included in a future director’s cut. During testing, we explored both versions of the film – with and without the scene.”
Surprisingly, the audience’s response was polarized, with some viewers expressing anger while others expressed admiration. Ultimately, it was Donna Langley from the studio who watched the scene and embraced its audaciousness, saying, “I love it. I love the insanity of that scene.’ Her enthusiastic approval prompted us to retain it in the final cut.”
Undoubtedly, one unanimous sentiment prevailed – the more screen time Jason Momoa had in the film, the better. Consequently, the decision to incorporate this particular scene is likely to have had a positive impact on the overall cinematic experience.
How Did Fast X Perform At The Box Office?
In a significant box office achievement, the Fast & Furious franchise has crossed the impressive milestone of $7 billion in global earnings. The latest installment, Fast X, led by Vin Diesel and Jason Momoa, has contributed significantly to this success, amassing over $380 million worldwide. With this accomplishment, one of the most successful film series can now proudly add another accolade to its list.
Fast X, the tenth installment in the Fast & Furious franchise, features the return of beloved cast members such as Michelle Rodriguez, Ludacris, Sung Kang, John Cena, and others reprising their iconic roles. While the film received mixed reviews from critics upon its release, its opening weekend performance told a different story as it raked in substantial box office numbers.
Although the film’s momentum has slightly diminished since then, Fast X has amassed a commendable $388.3 million at the global box office.
Read More: What Was Jason Momoa’s Salary in Fast X? Will He Return in Fast 11?
When considering the entire franchise, including the spin-off Hobbs & Shaw, the cumulative earnings have now reached an impressive $7.03 billion, solidifying its position as the fifth franchise in history to achieve this feat. In the domestic market, Fast & Furious is on the cusp of reaching another remarkable milestone, as it inches closer to the $2 billion mark with a current total of $1.946 billion. On the international front, the franchise has amassed an impressive $5.083 billion in earnings.
Overall, the Fast & Furious franchise continues to leave a lasting impact on the global box office, captivating audiences and proving its enduring popularity
Fast X is now running in theaters.
Source: MovieWeb