Fast and Furious Franchise Faces Local Protests as Upcoming Film Shoot Set in Los Angeles
The upcoming tenth installment of the Fast and Furious franchise, known as Fast X, is planning to shoot in the same Los Angeles neighborhood where the series originated. However, the residents of the area are expressing their dissatisfaction and are threatening to protest against the film if the shooting takes place there. The Fast and Furious franchise has been highly successful, with nine films released between 2001 and 2021, earning over $6.6 billion at the box office.
The first film in the Fast and Furious franchise, “The Fast and the Furious,” was filmed in the historic Angelino Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles. The movie’s success led to an increase in street racing activity in the area, which has been a source of frustration for the local residents. Numerous complaints have been made about the dangers and disruptions caused by illegal racing. Unfortunately, over the past two decades, there have been reports of 178 deaths related to illegal street racing in Los Angeles. Despite these concerns, the upcoming installment, Fast X, is scheduled to shoot in front of the house owned by Vin Diesel’s character, Dominic Toretto, in Angelino Heights. The filming is planned for a specific time frame, starting on Friday from 9 am to 2 am.
The news of the Fast and Furious franchise returning to the Angelino Heights neighborhood has sparked strong opposition from some residents. An email obtained by Variety reveals that one resident expressed their discontent to the Los Angeles City Council. The email states that if the film shoot proceeds in Angelino Heights, a large protest will be organized. The resident intends to invite reporters and news cameras to document the protest throughout the day and night. The opposition from the residents highlights their strong objection to the film shoot taking place in their neighborhood.
The resident’s statement regarding the protest emphasizes that it will also serve as a tribute to the individuals who have lost their lives due to street racing. The protest aims to honor the 178 victims of street racing incidents in Los Angeles. Additionally, the statement expresses a desire to hold Universal accountable for what is perceived as a lack of concern regarding the serious issue of street racing. The email suggests that the Fast and Furious films have played a role in promoting and perpetuating this dangerous activity.
According to the report, both Universal, the studio behind the film, and LA City Councilman Gil Cedillo, who represents the area, did not provide any comments or respond to requests for statements.
Fast X boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring stars such as Vin Diesel, Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, John Cena, Jordana Brewster, Nathalie Emmanuel, Sung Kang, Scott Eastwood, Michael Rooker, Helen Mirren, Charlize Theron, Cardi B, Jason Momoa, Daniela Melchior, Brie Larson, Alan Ritchson, and Rita Moreno. The highly anticipated film is set to hit theaters on May 19, 2023.
