The Fast and the Furious Makes Historic Debut at Cannes Film Festival

The original 2001 film screened as a Midnight Selection on May 22, 2024, at the Grand Lumière Theatre, marking the franchise's first-ever appearance at the prestigious festival.

Screening Details

The screening began at 11:55 p.m. at the Grand Lumière Theatre of the Palais des Festivals. Cast members in attendance included Vin Diesel, Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez, and Meadow Walker—the daughter of the late Paul Walker. Producer Neal H. Moritz and director Rob Cohen also joined the event.

Following the screening, the audience delivered a four-minute standing ovation.

Statements from Attendees

Vin Diesel addressed the audience, speaking about his relationship with co-star Paul Walker, who died in 2013. Diesel recalled that Walker told him about having a 1-year-old daughter (Meadow). Diesel quoted Meadow Walker as saying she is now 27 years old—and watched a film her father made at age 27. Diesel stated that the screening felt incomplete without Walker present.

Jordana Brewster described the screening as "validating" and "bittersweet." She noted that Meadow Walker attended as a representative of her father. Brewster praised the original film for its character development and grounded tone.

Diesel thanked Cannes General Delegate Thierry Frémaux, recalling that Frémaux noted Diesel first came to Cannes 31 years ago with a short film and a laundry bag as a suitcase.

Franchise Background

The Fast and the Furious was released on June 22, 2001, and launched Universal's longest-running franchise. The film grossed $207 million on a $38 million budget. The series now includes 11 films and has earned over $7 billion globally.

Future of the Franchise

The 11th film, tentatively titled Fast Forever, is scheduled for release on March 17, 2028, with Michael Lesslie as screenwriter and Louis Leterrier as director. A Peacock television series expanding the franchise was announced on May 13, 2024. Diesel stated that work on the next chapter of the franchise is ongoing. Jordana Brewster expressed interest in expanding her character Mia Toretto's storyline, potentially in a spinoff.

"The next chapter is still in the works," Diesel confirmed.

Vin Diesel's Festival History

In 1995, Diesel screened his 20-minute film Multi-Facial at Cannes during the festival's 100th anniversary of cinema. He was 27, traveled on a limited budget, and attended without a return ticket. Diesel noted the festival was founded in 1939.

The event preceded the franchise's 25th anniversary in June 2024.