Fast X: The Untold Truth Of The Cast

"Fast X" hit theaters on May 19, 2023, and grossed $319 million worldwide in its opening weekend, proving that there's still a huge hunger for the "Fast & Furious" franchise. As well as reuniting everyone's favorite stars such as Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Jordana Brewster, and Jason Statham, "Fast X" also introduces new villain Dante Reyes, played by "Aquaman" hunk Jason Momoa. Dante is intent on taking down Toretto's entire family as he seeks revenge for the death of his own father, pitting him in a brutal fight against the "Fast" clan.

Since the film's release, Diesel has already suggested that "Fast X" may be the start of a new trilogy (rather than the previously announced two-parter) set to wrap up the franchise in an impressive finale. Meanwhile, the movie also sees the return of several characters who had previously exited the series, plus the introduction of high-profile actors like Marvel star Brie Larson. Basically, the "Fast & Furious" franchise has only continued to up the ante in both plot and its casting, and it's impossible to imagine the series ever truly ending.

Join us as we explore the untold truth of the incredible cast of "Fast X."

Table of Contents

• Fast X helped John Cena score his Barbie role
• Paul Walker lives on in the franchise via his daughter Meadow Walker
• Rita Moreno asked for Ludacris' phone number
• Fast X features four Oscar winners
• Charlize Theron, Michelle Rodriguez, and Brie Larson bonded on set
• Sung Kang hopes Gal Gadot is returning to the franchise
• The Rock may regret his feud with Vin Diesel
• Tyrese Gibson and Paul Walker were both involved with the same stunt woman
• Jason Statham's alleged 'equal pain' contract clause
• Alan Ritchson went straight to work on Reacher after filming Fast X
• Vin Diesel helped Helen Mirren get on Instagram
• Jason Momoa didn't get to drive enough in Fast X
• Charlize Theron and Michelle Rodriguez didn't need a director
• Vin Diesel wants Robert Downey Jr. to join the cast

Fast X helped John Cena score his Barbie role

As of this writing, Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" movie is set to be released in July 2023, and it features an incredible cast, which includes Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Helen Mirren, Will Ferrell, and John Cena. The former WWE icon is particularly proud of his role in "Barbie," especially because "Fast X" apparently helped him land a part in the coveted film. During an interview with "Today" that May, Cena opened up about how he got cast in the iconic doll movie, saying, "It was a happy accident, and I think 'Barbie' and 'Fast X' share a lot of parallels. The cast list is amazing." It's undeniable that both flicks feature an impressive roster of Hollywood talent, so it's no surprise there's an overlap between the two films.

According to Cena, "Fast X" and "Barbie" were filming in the same location, which allowed the actor to visit Gerwig's set and mingle with the cast. In particular, he made a beeline for star and pal Margot Robbie, as he felt she'd be able to get him a part in the movie. As for what he said to Robbie when he met her, Cena told "Today," "'I will do pretty much whatever you guys need, 'cause I really enjoy the movie,' and they asked me if I wanted to be a merman."

Paul Walker lives on in the franchise via his daughter Meadow Walker

Paul Walker has always been an integral part of the "Fast & Furious" franchise. However, in November 2013, tragedy struck: Walker died suddenly when the Porsche he was traveling in fatally crashed, at the age of 40. Since then, the films have attempted to explain his character Brian O'Conner's absence, and as the franchise nears its end, Walker may finally get the tribute he deserves.

In a March 2023 interview with Total Film, star Vin Diesel explained, "That moment in 2013 when the world was struggling with his loss, the studio made a very bold and righteous and daring decision to keep Brian O'Conner alive." He continued, "I couldn't imagine this saga ending without truly saying goodbye to Brian O'Conner." Importantly, "Fast X" pays tribute to Walker's onscreen impact in a big way by including his real-life daughter, Meadow Walker, in a cameo role.

Rita Moreno asked for Ludacris' phone number

Oscar-winner Rita Moreno joined the "Fast & Furious" franchise in "Fast X," playing Dominic Toretto's grandmother, Abuelita. While doing press for the movie, Moreno made it clear that she was delighted to be joining the popular action movie series and that she had made some surprising friends on the set of the film.

During a May 2023 interview with "Today," Moreno said of her friendship with Ludacris (real name Christopher Bridges), "I'm a text buddy with Chris. ... I asked him for his number before I left, I found him so intriguing. You know, he's a very smart, articulate guy." Basically, Moreno wasn't shy when it came to getting Ludacris' digits, and it's nice to know that the two actors still text one another.

Fast X features four Oscar winners

It's not often that a film franchise racks up an impressive 11 installments. It's also rare for the caliber of the cast to get better and better with each new film — but that's exactly what's happening with the "Fast & Furious" series. In fact, "Fast X" includes an incredible four Oscar winners in its cast, proving that the popular series continues to attract fans and actors alike.

Helen Mirren reprised her role as Queenie in "Fast X," and the accomplished actor previously took home an Academy Award in 2007 for her performance as Queen Elizabeth II in "The Queen." Charlize Theron also returned to the "Fast & Furious" franchise in her role as Cipher, having won an Oscar for her visceral performance as serial killer Aileen Wuornos in 2003's "Monster." Rita Moreno joined the franchise, playing Dom Toretto's grandmother in "Fast X," while Brie Larson also joins the series as Tess, having earned an Academy Award in 2016 for her performance in "Room."

Charlize Theron, Michelle Rodriguez, and Brie Larson bonded on set

If the cast of "Fast X" seems like one big family, that's because the cast truly bonded with one another on the set of the film. During a May 2023 interview with Extra, Michelle Rodriguez gushed about working with Charlize Theron and Brie Larson on "Fast X," saying, "I wish we had more time with each other, to be fair." She continued, "It's pretty hard when you have such a big cast to try to get everybody together