At Least Three More Movies For The ‘Fast & Furious’ Franchise?

“We think there’s at least three more,” Donna Langley, Universal Pictures chairman, told the Hollywood Reporter on November 13. This announcement comes after rumors suggesting that the franchise was coming to a close, with Justin Lin coming back to direct the multi-movie finale. Of course, the could still mean at least three more movies, depending on Universal’s plans.

For us movie watchers, we get an astounding tenth addition to the Fast and Furious series. Can the story be stretched that far and still hold together? More importantly, will the unfortunate absence of Paul Walker affect the production of three more movies?

According to Langley, there is plenty of storyline to go around, even without the iconic Walker.

“Paul is, and always will be, an integral part of the story. But there are many other great characters, and it’s also an opportunity to introduce new characters. I think it’s still a growing franchise. We’ll see what happens with ‘Furious 7,’ obviously, but our box office has grown over the past three or four films and internationally, in particular. So we think that there’s more to mine there. But we’re of course very mindful about fatigue.”

So, Universal seems to be pushing forward with the series, hinting at bringing in new characters to replace Walker. Will it really be a Fast and Furious movie without Walker? Will these new characters be on par with the old cast? This is what we must ask ourselves.

And that fatigue Langley speaks of is the audience growing tired of the series. The franchise is seven movies in, or will be, when Furious 7 hits theaters on April 3 of next year. So far, all the hype is still there. As long as the box office keeps getting the numbers, Universal will find a way to add to the franchise. Maybe they’ll start releasing two or three a year? Any takers?

Disappointing news to some people, at least according to Twitter.

There is no stopping them now.

In the company’s defense, Universal is trying to make a complete universe to set their movies in, much like what Marvel Studios is doing. They found a formula that works for them; fast cars and charismatic anti heroes are what people love.

As long as the Fast and Furious movies are popular, they will keep on filming, and that, for now, means at least three more movies.