Fast X: Part 2 has made little progress since its predecessor was released in 2023, and a recent report raises concerns that the franchise’s grand finale may not happen at all. The Fast franchise was popular right when it first began in 2001, but 2011’s Fast Five turned it into a box office juggernaut. It became an action spectacle filled with Hollywood’s biggest action stars.

Furious 7 and The Fate of the Furious made over $1 billion at the box office. However, the franchise’s popularity has dwindled recently, and F9 and Fast X‘s disappointing box office returns show audiences aren’t as invested in Dominic Toretto and his family’s story as they once were. Even Jason Momoa’s unhinged villain couldn’t save the last entry.

As the first half of a two-part finale, Fast X ends with a mᴀssive cliffhanger, where Dom and his son try to survive a mᴀssive explosion caused by Momoa’s Dante. However, audiences may never find out what happens to Dom as Fast 11 still has no release date, and there may not be one soon if Universal and Diesel can’t make some compromises.

Universal Is Considering Not Making Fast & Furious 11

Fast X wasn’t a box office bomb, but it was a disappointment for Universal. It made $704 million worldwide, which is impressive for any movie. However, the film had a reported budget of $340 million, meaning it needed around $850 million to break even. After failing to do so, Universal is taking a more cautious approach to the franchise’s final chapter.

In a new report from The Wall Street Journal, it’s been revealed that Fast 11‘s budget is a significant concern for the studio. The initial script reportedly would require a budget of $250 million, but Universal isn’t willing to make the film for more than $200 million. Part of that budget goes to the film’s mᴀssive cast, and the expenses of shooting in international locations.

According to the report, Universal is looking to limit the overseas shooting locations and reduce the film’s cast by either shrinking character’s roles or removing them altogether. That’s a major challenge for the next film as it already has a mᴀssive roster and is expected to also feature the return of Dwayne Johnson and Gal Gadot.

Everything Vin Diesel Has Said About Fast & Furious 11’s Development After Fast X

Diesel is a showman at heart. He wants to deliver the best experience for fans and do right by the characters in this franchise. However, his vision for Fast 11 may be too much for Universal, especially if the studio is looking to shrink the budget. He’s made several announcements, but without a script, it’s hard to tell which ones will come true.

In an Instagram post that Diesel shared to celebrate Father’s Day in 2024, the XXX actor shared concept art for Fast 11 and called it an “American road trip.” A road trip storyline could work, as Dom and his son travel across the US trying to find the rest of his family. It would also allow Universal to shoot the film mostly in domestic locations.

His other big reveals were shared at 2025 FuelFest in Los Angeles (via H๏τCars). The actor said he agreed with Universal to make Fast 11 on three conditions. The first was that it would receive an April 2027 release date. The second was that it would bring back street-racing in Los Angeles, and the third was that Paul Walker’s Brian O’Conner would return.

Based on the report from WSJ, it doesn’t sound like Universal agreed to these conditions with Diesel, and the actor was simply trying to hype up the crowd. An April 2027 release date isn’t realistic, and Brian’s return could be a victim of budget cuts. However, street racing could still be an essential part of Fast 11.

Will Fast & Furious 11 Happen?

The final chapter of the Fast & Furious franchise will most likely happen for a couple of reasons. It’s still one of Universal’s biggest franchises, and there is a way for the studio to profit off the final film if it’s made on a reasonable budget. The WSJ report also said that writers and executives are still looking for ways to continue the franchise with spinoffs or TV shows.

Another reason is the Diesel effect. He is incredibly pᴀssionate about Dom Toretto and this series. It’s hard to believe he’d be unwilling to compromise if the studio wants him to make some cuts to the story. Ending on a cliffhanger would be unfortunate, and Diesel knows there are still many fans who want to see how this story ends.

The unfortunate truth is that a lower budget for Fast X: Part 2 may be for the best. The franchise has gotten out of control and is losing audiences and critics with its over-the-top, nonsensical action sequences. It’s become a parody of itself, and a return to its smaller, street-racing roots could be just what Fast 11 needs.