Fast X, a fuel-drained franchise, or a box office blast?

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A year ago, following the premiere of the tenth installment of "Fast and Furious," American critics expressed that the automotive saga seemed endless and suggested it was time to conclude. They anticipated an end to the series, which will indeed occur, but later than they expected. The release of the final installment of the car series has been delayed until 2026.

Reviewers have long suggested that the only sensible move for the car series would be to hit the emergency brake. Yet, Hollywood producers are not known for embracing such resolutions. A critic from Rolling Stone magazine shared similar views, stating that 'Fast X' represents the most absurd installment in this seemingly endless series, which is notable, especially considering that the characters had ventured into space in the previous part.

Chris Vognar from "Rolling Stone" emphasized that while films featuring Dominic Toretto, played by Vin Diesel, are intended to be spectacular, engaging, and fun, they should also offer some respect for the audience's intelligence. He remarked that 'Fast X' might have been tolerable had it not been so foolish, loud, and pretentious. He likened the series to a car that continues to drive long after the driver has bailed out, suggesting that the car saga seems never-ending and questioning how much longer it could continue, asserting that it was time for it to end finally.

The tenth "Fast and Furious" installment emerged as the fifth highest-grossing film of 2023, amassing $704 million worldwide. While impressive, this pales compared to the seventh installment, which earned double that amount. Moreover, "Fast X," one of the most expensive films ever produced at $340 million, resulted in minimal profits from theatrical releases, with approximately 50 percent of ticket sales returned to the producers.

The creators of "Fast and Furious 11" now have ample time to overhaul the movie completely. The studio is said to have opted for a radical vision change (it's unclear if, for example, a character played by Jason Momoa will return). The film aims to return to the series's roots, with a budget not exceeding $200 million.

An additional and perhaps more significant reason for the delay of "Fast and Furious" to 2026 is related to recent accusations against Vin Diesel of sexual violence. The extended break will allow time for the scandal to subside.