It seemed like “The Fast and Furious” movie franchise had run out of gas, but then 2009’s “Fast & Furious” was a surprise hit, becoming the highest-grossing film of the series with a gross of $359 million worldwide.
Since bringing Vin Diesel and Paul Walker from the original worked so well for the fourth movie, it was only natural that they’d team up again for the fifth. They’re back in the next installment called “Fast Five,” and this time, they will be joined by cast members from each of the previous movies.
But if one muscle-bound bruiser with a shaved head wasn’t enough for you, “Fast Five” ups the ante with the addition of Dwayne Johnson. Watch the brand new trailer, and read on to find out who is returning and how the artist formerly known as “The Rock” fits in. (Viewer discretion advised: contains violent content)
Diesel and Walker, along with costar Jordana Brewster, reunited after eight years for “Fast & Furious,” and they all return for “Fast Five.” Michelle Rodriguez, the other holdover from the original film, is not in this new one because — SPOILER ALERT — she was killed in the last movie. “Fast Five” picks up where the previous movie left off, with those three on the run after breaking Diesel out of prison.
See photos from ‘Fast Five’ >>
Joining them from the second installment, “2 Fast 2 Furious,” are Tyrese Gibson and Chris “Ludacris” Bridges. Sung Kang, who starred in the third movie “Tokyo Drift,” is back as well. Kang also appeared in “Fast & Furious,” even though his character died in movie #3. Chronologically, the events of “Tokyo Drift” take place after “Fast Five” (which may explain the absence of “Drift” stars Lucas Black and Bow Wow). Plus, Tego Calderon and Gal Gadot, who were added to the series in “Fast & Furious,” reprise their roles as well.
See red carpet photos of Vin Diesel >>
The big addition to this chapter of the series is, of course, Dwayne Johnson. After finding success in a number of family films, Johnson has been trying to re-establish himself as an action star. His recent attempt, the similarly titled but unrelated “Faster,” underperformed at the box office, so far earning just $21 million. In that movie, he was a hard-driving ex-convict pursued by the authorities, but in “Fast Five” he’s the one doing the chasing. He plays a federal agent who is on the trail of Diesel and Walker in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.
“Fast Five” is going to get an early start on the summer movie season, opening on April 29th, 2011
