The Fast and Furious franchise has gone off the rails, but Fast & Furious 11‘s story could be what it needs to return to its roots. Fast Five is seen by many as the best film in the series, introducing over-the-top action sequences with stars like Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson. Since that film, the franchise has accelerated its stunts and ridiculous plots to the point where it’s impossible to take these movies seriously anymore. It’s hard to believe Fast and Furious used to be about street racing and heists when the characters are traveling to space or skydiving in cars.

Fast X was just as silly and excessive as the last few films, bolstered by an unhinged performance from Jason Momoa. Since Fast 11 is expected to be the final film of the franchise, it may not pull any punches, saving all the most physics-defying nonsense for the grand finale. However, Diesel has already shared some details about the film’s story, suggesting it may be more reserved than audiences expect.

Vin Diesel Called Fast & Furious 11 An “American Road Trip” With Surprising Art

Fast & Furious 11 Could Be A Simpler Film Than Expected

The finale of the Fast and Furious franchise is a two-parter. Fast X introduced a new antagonist for the family to defeat, but ended on a cliffhanger that left the door open for part 2. How the story continues is still unknown, but Diesel has already shared a light teaser for what the story could be. In an Instagram post to celebrate Father’s Day in 2024, Diesel shared a piece of concept art from Fast X: Part 2, with a caption that said an “American road trip” is coming.

The caption is attached to a piece of concept art featuring a red and black car traveling through the snow. It’s unclear where this takes place, but based on how Fast X ended, it could be Dom driving through Antarctica to find Letty (Michelle Rodriguez). It’s important to remember that concept art isn’t always indicative of what will be in the movie and much could have changed since last year, but a road trip would be a perfect way to continue the story.

Fast & Furious 11 Being A Road Trip Movie Makes Sense After Fast X’s Ending

The Family Is Separated And Needs To Reunite

Fast X ended disastrously for the main team. Dominic Torreto and his son have to survive a mᴀssive dam explosion set by Momoa’s character, while a plane carrying Roman (Tyrese Gibson), Tej (Ludacris), Han (Sung Kang), and Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel) was sH๏τ down. Meanwhile, Letty and Cipher (Charlize Theron) are somewhere in Antarctica and encounter Gisele Yashar (Gal Gadot), who presumably died in Fast & Furious 6. Johnson’s Luke Hobbs also appeared in a post-credit scene, despite the off-screen feud between him and Diesel. The family is scattered, and they need to find a way to reunite.

Since the family is separated, Fast X: Part 2 could be a road trip from different perspectives, showing each team’s journey as they try and find each other. This would include plenty of cars and different methods of travel, setting up plenty of vehicular action in the franchise’s finale. There are still plenty of chances for explosive, goofy action scenes, but it can also slow things down as Dom brings the team back together.

Fast & Furious 11’s Road Trip Premise Can Be How The Series Returns To Its Roots

A Road Trip Is A Perfect Opportunity For Street Racing

Street racing is still an important part of the Fast & Furious franchise, but it isn’t as essential as it was in the beginning. Fast X includes a street race, yet it was still marred by so many tech advancements and bombs that it takes away from the grounded approach the franchise used to have. These films feel more like superhero movies, and a road trip allows the franchise to return to its roots. It would include more cars and roads, rather than planes and tanks, allowing more chances for exciting street racing.

While the energetic and extreme action sequences are entertaining, the franchise is often at its best when it’s just two characters racing and the winner takes all. It’s not as engrossing when a character cheats or the tech makes the race feel more like Rocket League. A road trip could set up Fast & Furious 11 to be a more simplistic film, taking the franchise back to its roots, rather than the nonsensical soap opera it has become.