Vin Diesel confirms next 'Fast & Furious' film will be shot in LA to support wildfire recovery

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Vin Diesel has announced that the next installment of the 'Fast & Furious' saga - 'Fast X: Part 2' - will return to Los Angeles for filming.

The actor, 57, took to Instagram on January 23 to share the news, revealing that his co-star Jordana Brewster, 44, encouraged him to ensure that the production happens in the city where the franchise began over two decades ago.

Vin Diesel opens up on supporting Los Angeles in crisis

In his Instagram post, Vin Diesel wrote, “Last week, during the fires that displaced LA, my sister Jordana reached out to me and said… Please have Universal film the rest of Fast X Part 2 in LA."

“Los Angeles needs it now more than ever… Los Angeles is where 'Fast & Furious' started filming 25 years ago… and now Fast will finally return home,” he added.

Brewster, who plays Mia Toretto in the series, echoed Diesel’s sentiments, commenting, “Our home ♥️.”

The decision to film in Los Angeles comes as the city grapples with the aftermath of devastating wildfires that have displaced thousands of residents in recent weeks.

Diesel sees the move as a way to support the city’s recovery, honoring its resilience and giving back to the community that served as the franchise’s foundation.

In an earlier Instagram Story, Diesel praised the efforts of first responders and the compassion of local citizens, writing, “The bravery of our firefighters, the compassion of our fellow citizens, gives hope of a brighter tomorrow.”

He compared the spirit of unity in Los Angeles to the collective resilience he witnessed in New York after 9/11, adding, “There is something so revealing about the human spirit after a collective tragedy.”

The grand finale of 'Fast & Furious'

'Fast X: Part 2', which follows the events of 2023’s 'Fast X', is widely expected to be the final chapter in the 'Fast & Furious' saga.

Diesel has referred to the project as a “grand finale” that not only concludes the story but also celebrates the family built by the cast, crew, and fans over the years.

“This grand finale is not just an ending; it’s a celebration of the incredible family we’ve built together,” Diesel wrote in February 2024 after attending a production meeting for the sequel.

The series, which began with 'The Fast and the Furious' in 2001, has grown into a global phenomenon, grossing billions at the box office.

Challenges along the way

While filming in Los Angeles will be a sentimental homecoming, it’s not without controversy.

Residents of the city’s Angelino Heights neighborhood where Dom Toretto’s fictional home and Bob’s Market are located, have previously raised concerns about the franchise.

In 2022, some locals protested filming for 'Fast X', arguing that the movies glamorize illegal street racing, leading to dangerous behavior in the area, according to People.