The Wrap recently reported that Fast X’s budget had ballooned to a whopping $340 million, which is over $100 million more than the previous film. This would make it the fourth-most expensive film ever, just behind Avengers: Endgame, Avengers: Age of Ultron, and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Initially reported to be $300 million in May 2022, the budget increased to compensate for the cast’s salaries, which are said to be over $100 million, including $20 million for Vin Diesel. Although global inflation has contributed to the budget increase, the root of this can be attributed to the addition of big stars such as Jason Momoa and Brie Larson. Additionally, the studio has experienced production crises, adding to the costs. This includes the departure of Justin Lin as the director, allegedly caused by a spat between him and Vin Diesel over the script. While trying to find someone to fill in the vacancy, Universal Pictures reportedly spent $1 million a day to keep the production on hold. With a combined gross of over $6 billion, The Fast and the Furious is the eighth highest-grossing film series and the most successful Universal Pictures franchise. However, due to its bloated budget and anticipated massive marketing budget, Fast X is highly likely to have a significant decrease in global box office profits compared to its immediate predecessors. Fast X is scheduled to be released on May 19, 2023 and will be the second Fast film not to feature Dwayne Johnson since his introduction in Fast Five. The former professional wrestler rejected Vin Diesel’s Instagram invitation to return to Fast and Furious 10, reiterating that there was no chance he would return. Fast X will be the penultimate film in the Fast and Furious universe. However, the films will likely continue life with spin-offs. Brie Larson will reportedly be part of an all-female Fast & Furious film.
