Despite filming for the new Fast X movie being already underway, Justin Lin has announced he will no longer direct the latest instalment in the Fast & Furious franchise.
The announcement from Lin came Wednesday, mere days into the film’s production.
According to Deadline, Lin — who co-wrote Fast X with Dan Mazeau — is exiting the franchise due to “creative differences.”
“With the support of Universal, I have made the difficult decision to step back as director of FAST X, while remaining with the project as a producer,” Lin wrote in the statement announcing his departure.
“Over 10 years and five films, we have been able to shoot the best actors, the best stunts, and the best damn car chases. On a personal note, as the child of Asian immigrants, I am proud of helping to build the most diverse franchise in movie history.”
Fast X is the 10th instalment in the Fast & Furious franchise.
Deadline reported production of the film will halt briefly as replacements for Lin are considered, with an announcement of the new director coming soon.
Lin is much-beloved within the Fast & Furious franchise. He joined production as the director for the third film in the franchise, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. He also directed the fourth (Fast & Furious), fifth (Fast Five), sixth (Fast and Furious 6) and ninth (F9: The Fast Saga) movies.
Altogether, Lin’s Fast & Furious films boasted US$1.9-billion at the global box office.
Many fans expressed their upset about Lin’s departure on social media, often expressing worries for the future of the franchise.
Fast X is expected to be released May 19, 2023. As of now, this date is not expected to change.