Looks like Vin Diesel is driving the Fast & Furious saga back to its origins. The actor, producer, and face of Dominic Toretto recently took to Instagram to provide fans with an exciting update on Fast X: Part 2. Following the release of Fast X in 2023, Diesel will return to his iconic role as Dom in what promises to be the franchise’s final chapter, slated for release in 2026. However, the latest reveal is about more than just another high-octane thrill ride—it’s a nostalgic return to where it all began.
Diesel shared that filming for the remainder of Fast X: Part 2 will primarily take place in Los Angeles, a city deeply intertwined with the franchise’s history. The decision, spurred by ongoing wildfires devastating areas around L.A., was reportedly influenced by co-star Jordana Brewster, who has played Mia Toretto since the 2001 original, The Fast and the Furious. Brewster encouraged Diesel to use the sequel as an opportunity to support the city during its time of need, adding emotional weight to the already highly anticipated movie. In which you can still help those in need following the devastating fires.
L.A.: The Heartbeat Of Fast & Furious
Fans of the series will recall that the first film was set almost entirely in Los Angeles, focusing on Dom’s street-racing crew and their gritty underworld connections. While the other installments have taken the franchise across the globe—from Tokyo to Rio to outer space—L.A. has always remained a symbolic home. Dom’s family house, a recurring fixture throughout the series, and real-life locations like the Irwindale Speedway have kept the city tied to the franchise’s identity. Diesel’s announcement suggests that Fast X: Part 2 will lean into this history, potentially weaving L.A. itself into the storyline as a significant character.
Diesel also hinted that the film will mark a return to the practical car action that defined the franchise’s early days. Recent installments have faced criticism for their increasingly absurd stunts—like launching a Pontiac Fiero into orbit—and Diesel appears intent on reassuring fans that the next chapter will focus on more grounded, spontaneous action.
A Nod To the Past, While Taking A Step Toward the Future
Despite its commercial success, Fast X received mixed reviews, with critics noting its difficulty in juggling an expansive ensemble cast and its appetite for over-the-top stunts. While the film teased a return to practical effects, many fans felt the execution didn’t live up to the promise. By setting much of Fast X: Part 2 in Los Angeles and adopting a more stripped-down approach, Diesel and his team have an opportunity to course-correct and pay homage to the film that started it all nearly 25 years ago.
Of course, there’s a delicate balance to strike. The globe-trotting nature of the Fast & Furious films has become a core part of their identity, and a single-city setting may leave some fans yearning for the franchise’s trademark international escapades. However, the decision to return to L.A. could bring emotional resonance and authenticity to a story that has, at times, veered into the fantastical.
A Meaningful Goodbye?
With Fast X: Part 2 being positioned as one of the final entries in the series, Diesel appears determined to deliver a fitting send-off for the Toretto family. By combining the nostalgia of L.A. with hands on action sequences and heartfelt storytelling, the sequel could recapture the magic that made the original film a cultural phenomenon while honoring the franchise’s evolution.
As Diesel gears up to close this chapter of the Fast & Furious saga, one thing is clear — the streets of Los Angeles are calling, and Dom Toretto is ready to answer. Fans will have to wait until 2026 to see how it all unfolds, but if Diesel’s vision stays on track, Fast X: Part 2 could become a definitive high point in the series. For now, stay tuned for more updates until then.
