The trade-off of visiting a beloved theme park like Universal is you’re going to have a blast, but you’re also going to spend a lot of time waiting in long lines. But the latter was certainly not the case when Ludacris paid a visit to Super Nintendo World this week. You’ve got to see the rapper stunt on us all by walking through a completely empty line for Universal’s Mario Kart ride.

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is one of the most popular rides at Universal's Hollywood, Orlando and Osaka theme parks, with wait times typically being an hour or more. But when Ludacris stepped in line, it was a different story. Take a look:

Talk about a flex! Ludacris decided to film a little rap video in the Mario Kart queue, and it’s wild to see it so empty. This is such a fun idea for a music video, and his fans were loving it. Check out some of the comments on Instagram:

• “The first rapper to do a freestyle video in the super Mario universe 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥” - @yahsheen.yahsharala
• “Wait, could you keep filming so I could see the rest of Bowser’s castle? 😂🔥” - @renae_2009
• “My guy rented out Super Mario World just to prove his point 🔥” - @giant_loaded_pretzel
• “Still one of the best in the game. You can’t stop Ludacris! 👑” - @ihorew
• “Legend!!!” - @iamjamiefoxx

Yes, that last comment is from THE Jamie Foxx. Ludacris really impressed his fans with this super cool clip of him lip-syncing to “44 Bars” while walking through Bowser's castle. We have no idea if he fully rented the space or not, but he surely must have had to collaborate with Universal on this to make it happen. Like, where'd all the people go?

Ludacris doesn’t have a direct connection to Super Nintendo World, but both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando have an upcoming Fast & Furious rollercoaster on the way, and he’s been in seven Fast & Furious movies in the role of Tej Parker.

The Fast & Furious coaster in California is currently done and going through testing and there’s also one coming soon to Orlando. Ludacris is expected to return to the eleventh installment of the action movie series, too. While Universal has set a release date for March 2028, Ludacris shared in May that he still hadn't seen a script for the Fast & Furious finale.

The rapper is currently in the throes of a career comeback after over a decade hiatus from making solo music. “44 Bars” is one of three recent singles Ludacris has dropped within the past year ahead of a new album expected to come out later this year. You don’t see many music videos set in an empty theme park, but it’s sure a cool way to flaunt one’s success.

Since The Fast and the Furious first hit the scene in 2001, we’ve come to expect a new movie from the timeline-jumping franchise pretty consistently every couple of years. However, it’s been three years since the last movie, Fast X was released and we won’t see another one until 2028! As the Fast & Furious “grand finale” revs up, Ludacris just gave an update on Fast Forever that I was not expecting to hear.

The rapper and the movie series regular Ludacris was asked on the red carpet for the 2026 American Music Awards about the upcoming Fast and Furious movie. Here’s what he had to say:

While Ludacris also said he’s “sworn to secrecy,” he looked pretty matter of fact while speaking to Variety. So it seems like we can trust his word on the matter.

Why Ludacris' Update Confuses Me

Back in 2023, Vin Diesel announced that the eleventh Fast & Furious movie would come out in 2025. Sure, the SAG-AFTRA strikes ended up delaying the movie not long after his comments, but then it was delayed until 2026 before being pushed back to 2027 before finally getting its current 2028 release date in January of this year.

I thought something might have been filmed in all that time, but according to Ludacris, it’s still early days for the sequel. He also shared this:

I’m so confused… What's been going on for the past four years, then? On one hand, I know that Vin Diesel has expressed there being a “weight” to ending the series, but I’m pretty surprised about the lack of work that’s reportedly been done on the movie. Ludacris specifically saying “hopefully” in association with the movie is also wild given Fast Forever has been so hyped by Vin Diesel in recent years.

Now, there was a rumor this past October from the Wall Street Journal that a script had yet to be locked in for the movie and studio executives were working with the filmmakers to make the upcoming movie more affordable than before – especially after Fast X made $705 million globally against an alleged production budget of $340 million.

Vin Diesel has previously teased that he’s aiming to shoot Fast Forever in Los Angeles in order to bring the movie back to its roots. Ludacris is certainly right that the movie will have to start shooting this year if it’s going to make its March 17, 2028 release date. Given all the delays, I’ll be pumping my brakes on anticipating the film until we get some concrete details! But hey, maybe they’re hard at work to make sure it’s the best Fast movie it can be.

With so much attention given to Spotify these days, one should never forget the power of iHeartRadio, which is once again celebrating the biggest and best in today's music with the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards. From celebrating multiple musical genres to exciting live performances to an appearance from Pop Queen Taylor Swift herself, it's gonna be a big night, and here's how to watch from anywhere.

• Watch the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards in the U.S. for free on Thursday, March 26, starting at 8:00 p.m. on Fox or through the network's streaming service Fox One.
• Stream from any of the aforementioned services using our preferred VPN. Try it now, risk-free, and SAVE 70% and get a FREE $50 AMAZON GIFT CARD (with applicable plans).

Taylor Swift is, perhaps unsurprisingly, the most recognized artist of the night, with nine nominations stemming from her best-selling album The Life of a Showgirl. She's followed by Sabrina Carpenter, Alex Warren, and Bad Bunny, who each garnered eight nominations this year.

This year's telecast will feature a handful of new awards categories — Favorite TikTok Dance, Favorite Debut Album, and Favorite K‑Pop Collab — which are all part of the "socially voted" categories for which fans could show their support.

How To Watch The iHeartRadio Music Awards In The U.S.

This year's iHeartMusic Awards will be airing live from Los Angeles' Dolby Theater on Fox on Thursday, March 26, starting at 8:00 p.m. ET and ending at 10:00 p.m. ET. (PT viewers will have a tape-delayed broadcast.) There are plenty of options for platforms that carry Fox, such as YouTube TV subscription, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV, SlingTV and others.

Those who aren't so much into watching along with the awards telecast are welcome to listen to an audio feed of the ceremony that will be playing across iHeartRadio stations around the country, as well as the dedicated iHeartRadio mobile app.

Traveling outside the U.S.? You can still watch the biggest winners in music using a VPN, with NordVPN being our method of choice.

How To Watch The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards From Anywhere

Whether you're in Canada, the UK, Australia or just about anywhere else, the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards will almost definitely be exclusive to airing on Fox, so audiences will need to get access to their service provider.

The easiest way to stream live TV while abroad is by VPN, which is a service that generally allows streaming customers to access their paid domestic subscriptions from anywhere in the world.

Confirmed Performances For The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards

• TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, and En Vogue taking the stage together for the first time
• Lainey Wilson
• RAYE
• Alex Warren
• John Mellencamp
• Kehlani
• Ludacris
• As Well As Appearances From: Taylor Swift, Nikki Glaser, Weezer, Ne-Yo, Alysa Liu, Nicole Scherzinger, and sombr.

iHeartRadio Music Awards Major Nominees And Recipients

• Song of the Year
  • “Anxiety” – Doechii
  • “Good News” – Shaboozey
  • “The Fate of Ophelia” – Taylor Swift
  • “Love Somebody” – Morgan Wallen
  • “luther” – Kendrick Lamar and SZA
  • “Manchild” – Sabrina Carpenter
  • “MUTT” – Leon Thomas
  • “Ordinary” – Alex Warren
  • “Sorry I'm Here For Someone Else” – Benson Boone
  • “Stargazing” – Myles Smith
• Artist of the Year
  • Bad Bunny
  • Benson Boone
  • Chris Brown
  • Jelly Roll
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Lady Gaga
  • Morgan Wallen
  • Sabrina Carpenter
  • Tate McRae
  • Taylor Swift
• Duo/Group of the Year
  • HUNTR/X (Ejae, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami)
  • Linkin Park
  • Maroon 5
  • Shinedown
  • Twenty One Pilots
• Pop Song of the Year
  • “Golden” – HUNTR/X (Ejae, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami)
  • “Manchild” – Sabrina Carpenter
  • “Ordinary” – Alex Warren
  • “Pink Pony Club” – Chappell Roan
  • “The Fate of Ophelia” – Taylor Swift
• The 2026 iHeartRadio Innovator Award
  • Miley Cyrus
• The 2026 iHeartRadio ICON Award
  • John Mellencamp
• The 2026 iHeartRadio Landmark Award
  • Ludacris
• The 2026 iHeartRadio Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award
  • Alex Warren

Everyone in the world knows Jason Statham as an action star leading films like Crank, The Meg and The Beekeeper in addition to his part within the Fast And Furious franchise... but did you know that he has a serious background as a diver? Years before his breakout in Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels and even before his modeling career (yes, he had a modeling career), Statham spent a dozen years on Britain's National Swimming Squad and competed in multiple events in the 1990 Commonwealth Games.

Knowing this, it's weirdly not at all surprising to see photos of the actor performing some extreme dives off of a yacht in a new Instagram post filled with vacation pictures – but one nonetheless has to appreciate the love shared in the comments section by some of his Fast & Furious castmates. Check out the gallery of photos below:

If you didn't know about Jason Statham's history as a legit diver, you probably could have figured out that he has some kind of background in the sport from that first photo. The guy might be decades removed from his heyday in the pool, but that shot demonstrates the form of an Olympian (and kudos to the uncredited photographer!).

As for the reactions... I think you can also probably guess what Vin Diesel had to say about this collection of vacation photos. The actor doesn't comment on Jason Statham's diving prowess or skills while operating a jet ski. Instead, he focuses on who his co-star is hanging out with and cites what he has long said (and oft-repeated) is the core theme of the Fast & Furious franchise:

Perfectly on brand.

Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, on the other hand, left a comment suggesting that he is well aware of Jason Statham's background as an athlete and complemented his maintained skills with three words of adulation and a pair of knowing emojis:

It's fun to see Jason Statham, Vin Diesel and Ludacris interacting on social media... but when will we get to see Deckard Shaw, Dominic Torretto, or Tej Parker back together again? That question doesn't have a firm answer quite yet, but at the very least we do now have a release window for Fast X: Part 2 / Fast And Furious 11. At the end of last month, Diesel attended an event in Southern California and told the audience gathered there that Universal Pictures is targeting an April 2027 release date – meaning that production will likely begin at the end of next year or the start of 2026.

Director Louis Leterrier is back in the director's chair after helming Fast X, and Diesel has made three promises about the sequel: the action will return to Los Angeles, the story will return to be about car culture, and Dom will have an on-screen reunion with Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker's character, who has not appeared in a Fast & Furious movie since Walker's death during the production of Furious 7). The film will also need to provide a conclusion to the many cliffhangers in the previous chapter, including the return of Dwayne Johnson's Luke Hobbes; the resurrection of Gal Gadot's Gisele Yashar; the fate of the flight that had Tej, Roman (Tyrese Gibson), Han (Sung Kang), and Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel) on board; and the peril faced by Dom and his son below a breaking dam.

Stay tuned for more updates about the project here on CinemaBlend, and check out our Upcoming Action Movie guide to learn about all of the ass-kicking projects on the horizon.

I think babies and children should not be involved in the Fast family’s adventures – even though the baby plane fight in The Fate of the Furious was iconic. The quests are far too dangerous for a child. However, I must say, this A.I. imagining of the Fast and Furious cast as babies that Ludacris shared has me thinking these little guys could for sure pull off a mission.

Now, did I ever think I’d see something like this? No. However, I’m happy I did, and I must admit, the A.I. did a frustratingly good job here. The baby Vin Diesel and Ludacris are adorable. The lil Paul Walker is perfect. Oh, and did you see the baby bald Tyrese Gibson chilling in that toy car? Talk about adorable! Take a look at Ludacris’ IG post about “Baby Fast & Furious” below:

Also, not to mention, the tiny Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster have my heart! I already would follow Letty and Mia to the ends of the Earth, and if anything bad happens to them, I’ll be upset. Now I’m really ready to protect their lil counterparts too.

While artificial intelligence can drum up controversy and anger sometimes, that definitely isn’t the case here. Fans got a real kick out of Ludacris’ “Baby Fast & Furious,” commenting things like:

• All of those babies are so cute 😍Great job! -@malaika_torrygirl
• Can’t lie this is so cute!!!😂😍 -@hi_its_dnydra
• Woooooooow😍 -@juanbertheau
• 😍😍Family -@danieljapan
• Baby Han eating chips is so real 😂-@chey.j21
• Baby @tyrese still got that mean look. Love it! -@mofeduncan

I’d like to draw attention to that last comment specifically. As a big fan of the friendship between Ludacris and Tyrese Gibson and their characters' whole shtick in F&F (I mean, that spit take scene from Fast & Furious 6 is hilariously legendary), I found this so funny. Also, the way Gibson’s baby is sitting in the car is hilarious and gives off big Roman energy.

Honestly, this chaotic energy is why I love the Fast & Furious movies, and I’m going to need more of it when Fast 11 is released! It’s always the most fun for me when the cast is also having a blast, and posts like this prove that actors, like Ludacris, aren’t afraid to lean into silly, fun and sometimes ridiculous ideas.

Obviously, I don’t think the F&F cast will go all Rugrats on us. However, it’s the energy this video emits – pure fun and chaos - that I need in Fast 11.

Speaking of this upcoming film, we should really be getting excited about it. It’s been promised that the Fast saga is returning to LA for this upcoming mission, and it will harken back to the days of The Fast and the Furious to celebrate the franchise’s 25th anniversary. So, while we’re not throwing it all the way back to babies, we are throwing it back to the origins of this franchise, which I’m thrilled about.

However, that’s not happening until 2026. So, in the meantime, I’ll take the Fast content where I can get it, and in this case, it came from Ludacris in the form of wildly accurate A.I. babies.

Theme park fans have a lot to look forward to in 2025. Epic Universe will open at Universal Orlando Resort in just a few months, which, on its own will be a massive upgrade in themed entertainment. But the fun from Universal won’t stop there, because next year, Universal Studios Hollywood is going to give us its own massive upgrade in the form of the first Fast & Furious roller coaster.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will be the first outdoor coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood, and it will be the first time that the Fast & Furious film franchise has used the sort of attraction it deserves, none of this Fast & Furious: Supercharged nonsense. Franchise member Ludacris recently shared a video of the currently under-construction coaster, and one fan apparently was asking the question that everybody else had, because the comment has seen hundreds of likes…

To be fair, it’s not that outrageous a question considering there are lots of roller coasters that do “go to space.” Space Mountain is one of the most popular roller coasters in the world, and it’s not the only coaster with an outer space theme. And considering the Fast & Furious franchise really has gone to space, it’s all remarkably plausible.

Of course, to properly recreate a space theme, you need to build an indoor coaster, which is exactly why Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is unique. It’s the first outdoor coaster to be built in the park. This also allows it to be built on a scale that blows away the other USH coasters. Check it out in the video shared by Ludacris on Instagram.

The fact that an outdoor coaster is on its way to Universal Studios Hollywood is no small feat. The theme park is directly connected to the Universal Pictures backlot and studio, which has perpetually limited the sorts of attractions that can be built in the park. Unplanned noises from a roller coaster would obviously ruin a take from a movie or show being filmed on the backlot.

However, the new Hollywood Drift coaster will reportedly use brand-new sound-dampening technology that will make it quieter than most coasters. The ride vehicles will also be new, as the cars will be able to “drift” themselves, thus giving the coaster its name and fitting the franchise perfectly.

The location of the coaster will also be unique. The show building is being constructed on Universal Studios Hollywood’s upper lot. However, the coaster itself is being built into the hillside between the upper and lower lot, and will actually contain an inversion that will take riders around the massive escalators that connect the two locations. It’s an ingenious use of the park’s limited space.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is set to open at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2026. At this point, the coaster will almost certainly arrive before the next Fast & Furious movie.

It feels like we’ve been talking about the Fast & Furious film series ending for a long time, and last year, series lead Vin Diesel confirmed that Fast 11 will indeed be bringing this high-octane saga to a close. Ok, but is this actually going to happen? Ludacris, who’s been playing Tej Parker in the franchise since 2 Fast 2 Furious, has shared his thoughts on the subject in a recent interview.

Just so we’re all caught up to speed, Fast 11, also known as Fast X: Part 2, is currently expected to come out in March 2026, just under three years after Fast X was released. If all goes according to plan, this will be our farewell to Dominic Toretto and his crew, as least as a fully-formed unit, but Ludacris told Us Weekly that he’s not even sure this will be the case, saying:

It’s fitting if Fast 11 does indeed end up being released in 2026 to coincide with The Fast and the Furious’ 25th anniversary. As far as those rumors Ludacris has heard about though, I’m guessing he’s talking about when Vin Diesel teased that the Fast Saga finale could stretch across a trilogy. However, that ended up not being the case, though as Ludacris pointed out, just because the main film series is concluding doesn’t mean the franchise as a whole will suddenly disappear. As he put it:

Shortly after Fast X’s release, it was announced that Dwayne Johnson and Jason Momoa were set to star in Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Reyes, which would take the place of the stalled Hobbs & Shaw 2 and take place between Fast X and Fast 11. However, with Fast 11 set to come out next year, I’m doubtful this project is still in development. Not to worry though, as Zach Dean, who’s writing Fast 11, is reportedly working on a standalone Fast & Furious movie too, and every now and then talk of a female-led spinoff resurfaces.

Then again, if Ludacris isn’t even aware of any specific details about Fast 11 with just a little over a year to go until its intended release, that makes me wonder if it could not only be pushed back again, but if perhaps talks have resumed about making Fast 12. I could spend a lot more time thinking about this, so hopefully as we get deeper into 2025, Universal Pictures will clear up what’s going on once and for all. In the meantime, you’re welcome to stream Fast X with your Peacock subscription if you need a refresher on the 2023 Fast & Furious movie’s ending.

For a series as focused on bleeding edge technology as the Fast Saga, it’s kind of crazy that the series hasn’t made any mention of AI tech being used to produce Universal’s high octane blockbusters. But with Fast X’s sequel skipping the crop of upcoming 2025 movies, that milestone still looks to be on the horizon in the near future.

Which leaves this question to be answered: could there have been a more appropriate introduction than series star Chris “Ludacris” Bridges showing off the hilarious results? AI is apparently hard at work in the service of continuing the Fast & Furious timeline into the next year.

As you’ll see in the image shared by Ludacris on social media, we shouldn’t worry too much about this technology replacing actors in the near future:

With what we know about Fast 11 indicating that the next, and potentially final slide in the Vin Diesel-led ensemble franchise, will land in 2026, the world is still waiting for a huge piece of closure. That’s because Fast X’s insane ending left some pretty huge questions in the air, and even the reason for the reappearance of Dwayne Johnson as Agent Luke Hobbs doesn’t look to be any clearer.

Oh, and there’s also the fate of Dom, his son and the rest of the group hanging in the balance of what happens next. Believe it or not, that’s exactly what I think this shot is hinting at in the Fast & Furious sequel ahead. As we’re seeing pretty wild renderings of characters Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel), Tej (Ludacris) and Roman (Tyrese Gibson) from the money-printing franchise screaming for dear life, we might be seeing how these particular folks are going to appear in the opening moments of Fast X’s direct sequel.

Which hopefully, for the sakes of the pictured cast and their likenesses, ends with a rough, but solid landing. After all, we wouldn't want to see any dear friends from the Fast crime family depart at the beginning of whatever this next final ride entails. But as Dante Reyes (Jason Momoa) has shown us in Fast X's past, what we want and what's going to happen aren't always the same thing.

However, as of this moment, that is still one of the many mysteries that hold firm in the world of the Fast Saga. Fast 11, or whatever this new entry into the Torretto family scrapbook will be called, is set to arrive in theaters at an undetermined point in 2026. In the meantime, you can currently stream Fast X through access to a Prime Video subscription, which is not only a completed film, but looks way better than any of the AI models could have predicted.

The Fast and Furious family is always growing, and on more than one occasion actors have joined it that I would have never expected. From Helen Mirren to Brie Larson to Kurt Russell to Charlize Theron, the list of beloved actors to enter this ensemble later in the franchise is truly wild and honestly, prestigious. Now, Ludacris is pitching a new addition to the family as we wait for updates about the release of Fast & Furious 11, and I sure do hope Vin Diesel is considering this.

The actor I’m talking about is Matt Damon, who I never really thought of as an option to join the F&F franchise. However, Ludacris has started to manifest the Ocean’s Eleven actor’s casting, and I have to say, I’m here for it. Taking to his Instagram to post a photo with the Oscar winner, the rapper wrote:

Matt Damon and Ludacris were both at the Stella Artois Let's Do Dinner event in New York City. They posed for a nice photo together, and that’s what led to the Fast and Furious actor’s comment. Within the first few hours of it being posted, his fans immediately latched onto the dream casting, writing:

• Okay I can get into it yea 😍 -danielle_lady_d
• Just 2 legends hangin’ out ! 🎤 🎥 -imjwil
• As long as he is driving a Shelby cobra 🤣 -atalwas
• Yes! The answer is YES!!! -msdkirkpatrick
• Tie it into Jason Bourne -nicholicious909
• That could work!!! -teri_giese
• 🔥🔥💯💯 -sig.lucidev
• Dude 🙌🙌 -dulla_awards
• Bourne furious -1thatsjb

Now, let’s think about this, if you look back at Matt Damon’s movies, he’s thrived in projects that have the same elements as the Fast and Furious films. Obviously, Jason Bourne proved that he is an action star. Then, the Ocean’s movies showed his ability to work within an ensemble. So, I think he’d fit into this high-speed universe just fine!

Plus, if you take a look back at Matt Damon’s filmography, he’s seemingly down for basically anything…heck, he’s even made a cameo in a Marvel movie. The guy has done drama, comedy, sci-fi, action, animation and more, so it seems like he could be up to hop in a car and drive really fast with Ludacris.

However, for now, that’s just a dream that Ludacris and I will have to keep our fingers crossed for.

So, let’s turn our focus to what we do know. Ludacris is expected to reprise his role in the eleventh Fast and Furious movie, which will be a continuation of Fast X, considering that cliffhanger ending involving Jason Momoa. We also know that Fast & Furious 11 should come out in 2026 as they celebrate 25 years of the franchise. So, Matt Damon or not, there’s a lot to be excited about.

However, I can’t deny that I hope Vin Diesel takes Ludacris’ casting request into account. While I don’t know if Matt Damon would say yes, it certainly would be fun if he showed up, so I’ll be keeping hope alive that maybe one day this will happen.

So, while I wait for that dream to become reality, you can check in with Matt Damon by watching his newest project on the 2024 movie schedule, The Instigators, with an Apple TV+ subscription, and you can always spend some time with the family by streaming the Fast and Furious movies with a Peacock subscription.

Celebrities owning restaurants is an old tradition in Hollywood. Sometimes, like Mark Wahlberg, it's a simple burger chain, other times, it's a classy hotel where you can have an elegant meal, like Richard Gere. Everything from tacos to sushi to fried chicken and everything in between. 

Just like people love watching scenes in movies about food, people love to rub elbows with the elite in some of these establishments. Here are 32 actors who own restaurants all over the country. 

Mark Wahlberg - Wahlburgers

The first Wahlburgers opened in Hingham, Massachusetts in 2011. The chain has since grown to dozens of stores all over the country and was the subject of a reality show for 10 seasons on A&E. The chain is collectively owned by three Wahlbergs, including Mark and Donnie, along with their chef brother, Paul. 

Ryan Gosling - Tagline

Ryan Gosling has become one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, and so it makes sense he would open a restaurant in Beverly Hills. Co-owned by the Barbie star and Chef Ben Benameur, the Moroccan joint serves up delicious food in a cozy atmosphere.

Lady Gaga - Joanne Trattoria

Joanne Germanotta was a beloved aunt to Lady Gaga (whose real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta). Not only did Gaga name a 2016 album after her, but the family has also opened Joanne Trattoria on the Upper West Side in Manhattan. In true Gaga style, the restaurant is not only a great place for Italian food, but it supports local artists, hosts regular drag shows, and has regular performances by local musicians. 

Robert De Niro - Nobu

Robert De Niro first became a regular at chef Nobu Matsuhisa's LA sushi joint Nobu way back in the 1980s. In the mid-90s, De Niro approached Matsuhisa about opening a New York spot. Nobu opened in 1994 in Tribeca and the company has since become a powerhouse in the hospitality industry, with dozens of restaurants and hotels all over the world. 

Michael Imperioli - Scarlet

White Lotus star Michael Imperioli has dabbled in the restaurant industry for a long time. In the mid-'90s Imperioli and his wife opened a speakeasy-style bar called Ciel Rouge, in Tribeca. Almost 30 years later, and 20 after Ciel Rouge closed in 2005, the couple opened Scarlet on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. It sticks with the classy, chill speakeasy vibe that made their first venture successful. 

Sandra Bullock - Walton's Fancy & Staple

Walton's Fancy & Staple in Austin, TX, is pretty much exactly what you would expect from Sandra Bullock. It's an upscale neighborhood place with hearty food and a cheery atmosphere. Walton's is the Speed star's second restaurant in her adopted hometown. The first, Bess Bistro, closed in 2016 after a successful 10-year run. Walton's opened in 2009. 

Ludacris - Chicken And Beer

Is there anything better than good fried chicken and great beer to wash it down? If you're in Atlanta and don't check out Ludacris' place, simply named Chicken and Beer, you're missing out on those two wonderful things that pair so well together.

Norman Reedus - Nic & Norman's

Norman Reedus is famous for playing rough-around-the-edges characters like Daryl in The Walking Dead, but his restaurant is not. Nic & Norman's, which has locations across the Southeast is rustic, but it's not rough in any way. The upscale but relaxed gastropubs are sure to satisfy anyone. 

Susan Sarandon - SPiN

When Susan Sarandon and her fellow investors opened SPiN in 2009, there was a surge in the popularity of table tennis (or ping pong). The fad was pretty short-lived, but the table tennis-focused restaurants have remained successful with multiple locations around the country. 

Dan Aykroyd - House Of Blues

One of Dan Aykroyd's most beloved SNL characters, Elwood Blues of The Blues Brothers, has proven to be more than just a role for the actor. On Thanksgiving Day 1992, Aykroyd and his partner Isaac Tigrett (who founded the Hard Rock Cafe), opened the first House of Blues in Cambridge, MA. It has since grown into one of the largest chains of live music venues in the world, and serves some pretty delicious food, too. 

Eva Longoria - Beso

Eva Longoria can do no wrong on the big and small screens, but she didn't have much luck in the restaurant industry. Her steakhouse in LA, Beso, ran into multiple problems in its short run, though none were the fault of the actress. 

Kevin Hart - Hart House

Kevin Hart's LA chain Hart House was ambitious. He wanted to create an affordable vegan chain, and despite rave reviews, it just couldn't make it in the market. The company closed all of its locations in 2024 after initially finding success. 

Issa Rae - Hilltop Coffee And Kitchen

Issa Rae is a true force of nature both in front of and behind the camera. She's also found success in the food industry. Hilltop Coffee And Kitchen brings high-end coffee vibes to historical Black neighborhoods in LA, like Inglewood and View Park. 

Danny Trejo - Trejo's Tacos

Everyone loves tacos and every loves Danny Trejo. So of course a concept like Trejo's Tacos is sure to work and it has succeeded greatly. The chain has multiple locations across LA and has even spawned a second concept: Trejo's Donuts which also opened to rave reviews. 

Channing Tatum - Saints And Sinners

Saints And Sinners, a bar on Bourbon Street in New Orleans co-owned by Channing Tatum was a wild success... at least for a time. The industry is notoriously fickle and Tatum and his partners learned that the hard way when the bar closed in the summer of 2024 after 12 great years. 

Justin Timberlake - The Twelve Thirty Club

Justin Timberlake first dabbled in the food industry in the early teens when he helped design a Memphis-style BBQ joint in New York City called Southern Hospitality. Though he wasn't an owner, he was involved in the concept phase of the place and was a regular there. More recently, he has teamed up with restauranteur Sam Fox to open The Twelve Thirty Club in Nashville. 

Nicholas Braun - Jac’s On Bond

Cousin Greg may not always get the most respect on Succession, but the actor who plays him, Nicholas Braun, sure gets respect in the hospitality industry. Braun is an investor in multiple restaurants in New York City, including a chill bar and restaurant called Jac's on Bond Street in the trendy NoHo neighborhood. 

Zach Braff - Mermaid Oyster Bar

MacDougal Street in New York's Greenwich Village is home to some great restaurants, like the legendary Caffe Reggio and Mamoun's Falafels. It's also where you can find Zach Braff's more upscale, but still laid-back seafood spot appropriately called Mermaid Oyster Bar. 

Anthony Mackie - NoBar

Like others on this list (and in the world), Anthony Mackie has had mixed results as a bar/restaurant owner. His most famous spot, NoBar, opened in Brooklyn in 2011, followed by a second Booklyn location in 2013. Sadly both closed in 2015. 

Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis - Planet Hollywood

The granddaddy of all actor-owned restaurants has to be Planet Hollywood. The first Planet Hollywood opened in New York City in 1991. Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Bruce Willis, among others, were all investors in the concept and, at least at first, the restaurant was a huge success, opening additional locations across the globe. At its peak, there were upwards of 60 locations in the late '90s, but the fun didn't last. Things started to unravel and the stars started to jump shit and most of the locations, other than their most successful ones, closed. 

Richard Gere - Bedford Post Inn

Legendary actor Richard Gere doesn't just own a restaurant, he owns an 8-room bed and breakfast called the Bedford Post Inn in... appropriately, Bedford, NY. The stylish and quaint inn does include a spot to eat, the Bedford Post Tavern, and the inn and the restaurant both draw all kinds of celebrities for a restful stay or a delicious dinner. 

Robert Redford - Zoom

It shouldn't come as any surprise to learn that Robert Redford's former restaurant in Park City, UT was home to a lot of home to a lot powerbrokers during the Sundance Film Festival for many years. Prior to closing in 2016, the hot spot was where the elite met to eat and strike deals during one of the biggest film festivals in the world. 

Hugh Jackman - Laughing Man Coffee

The origin story for Hugh Jackman's Laughing Man Coffee is one of the best on this list. The Aussie actor and his wife took a trip to Ethiopia to learn more about coffee and how the beans were grown. There, according to the coffee shop's website, Jackman met a coffee farmer named Dukale. Dukale gave Jackman a real hands-on experience and after the trip, he and some partners opened Laughing Man Coffee with the goal of working directly with farmers around the world to bring their coffee to New Yorkers. 

Jon Bon Jovi - Soul Kitchen And JBJ's

Jon Bon Jovi may be most famous for being the voice of the band named after him, but he's dabbled a lot in acting, and a little in the hospitality biz. His first venture was started by his foundation and called Soul Kitchen. The restaurant, located in Red Bank, NJ, sells food for whatever hungry customers can afford. Bon Jovi has also opened a spot on the famous Broadway strip in Nashville called JBJ's which features live music and a full menu, in addition to beer and booze, of course.

Piper Perabo - Jack's Wife Freda

Piper Perabo got her big break playing a bartender in Coyote Ugly and while the New York City chain she's an investor in, called Jack's Wife Frida, doesn't feature half-dressed women dancing on the bar, it's got something even better: delicious Mediterranean food. With five locations across the city, you can always find what you're craving, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Jessica Biel - Au Fudge

Au Fudge, which closed its doors in 2018, was something unique in the celebrity restaurant world - a kid's restaurant. As the name implies, Jessica Biel's spot was all about dessert and candy. It also had all the stuff kids love, like chicken fingers, on the menu. The world needs more of these, right parents?

Debi Mazar - The Tuscan Gun

Debi Mazar and her chef husband's love of food was first shown through a cooking show on the Cooking Channel. They spun that into a Tuscany-themed New York restaurant called The Tuscan Gun. Using chef Mazar's husband Gabriele Corcos' recipes, the Italian joint brought the best of Italy to Williamsburg. 

Quentin Tarantino - Do Hwa

For years, Quentin Tarantino's Korean restaurant Do Hwa brought the delicious flavors of East Asia to the West Village in New York. While very few people would call Tarantino "understated," his restaurant was, in all the best ways. It was cozy and delicious before it closed in 2018.

Jerry Ferrara - Fat Sal's

A sandwich joint called Fat Sal's is just perfect for Entourage star Jerry Ferrara. It sounds exactly like something Turtle would open on the show. Fat Sal's has multiple locations around LA and is a great spot if you want traditional deli sandwiches sold by a guy you can be sure loves them as much as you do. 

Justin Theroux - Ray's

Justin Theroux is a jack of all trades. He's an actor, a writer, and an ex-husband to Jennifer Aniston. He's also a bar owner, along with partner Nicolaus Braun with Ray's on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The dive bar is everything you could ever want in an unpretentious local water hole, which is no surprise, coming from Theroux. 

Ashton Kutcher - Dolce Enoteca E Ristorante

Ashton Kutcher has never been afraid to make risky investments. Some have paid off handsomely, like his early investments in Spotify and Uber. Others haven't worked out so well, like his short-lived Italian spot, Dolce Enoteca E Ristorante. The hot spot worked for a while but it closed in 2020, like so many other restaurants. 

Ty Burrell - The Eating Establishment

Modern Family star Ty Burrell took a slightly different route to restaurant ownership than most of the other actors on his list. Instead of starting a new spot, he bought an old one. The Eating Establishment, which dates back to 1970, was purchased by Burrell and other investors in 2016 and they've continued to run the popular Park City, UT restaurant ever since. 

Eminem - Mom's Spaghetti

Mom's Spaghetti is the perfect kind of place for Eminem to own, right? The Detroit, Michigan-based eatery has name that perfectly describes the food you can get there, and it's taken straight from an Eminem lyric in "Lose Yourself."

Jon Huertas - Clutch

Jon Huertas, best known for playing Brad Alcerro in Sabrina The Teenage Witch, is the proud owner of Clutch Roadhouse in Culver City, CA. Clutch is known for its great food and charitable works, both very important to the This Is Us star. 

Listen, I think we all know the Internet can sometimes be a lot to deal with. It can be a negative space, it can be an echo chamber, it can be a lot of things that aren’t so fun. But sometimes, just sometimes, the Internet absolutely delivers, and that’s what happened this month thanks to one Ludacris meme. Yes, someone finally questioned if “that bitch ever moved out” of Luda's way. Thank goodness someone’s asking the hard-hitting questions.

For many current fans, Ludacris is one of the highlights of the Fast & Furious cast and the upcoming Fast 10, Part 2 movie (or Fast 11, depending on who you are asking). For those of us who grew up in the early aughts, our experience with Ludacris was much different. It was from him we learned about the “ho-zone layer” and how many unique ways there are to threaten to run someone over, including with one’s tour bus. Speaking of that latter bit, his song “Move B—-” still resonates with his fans, even years later, and Ludacris hilariously responded to a meme about the song.

That’s right, someone commented, “To this day I still wonder if that bitch ever moved out of Ludacris’ way.” To which Luda responded: "The answer is still no, kid." Take a look at the funny exchange, below.

The rapper was asserting his right to space when he created the song a few decades ago, but life comes at you fast, and here he is decades later softly joking about a song that formerly was a note that he was not to be messed with.

Along with a slew of crying and laughing emojis from fans (a hallmark of the generation that enjoyed listening to this song when it first came out, with radio edits, of course), one of the comments in response to Ludacris’ post was a bit sobering, I’m not gonna lie. That would be the fan who noted the kid in the picture may be the child of someone who wasn’t even born when Ludacris’ song came out back in 2001.

Feeling old yet?

“Move B—-” came out 23 years ago. Yes, 23, which actually means that Ludacris released this song exactly half his lifetime ago. Now 46, he still produces music and tours, but he’s also a big name in Hollywood. This is thanks to joining Fast early on in the franchise's run, leading to other movie and TV roles, including last year’s memorable Dashing Through The Snow Disney+ flick. Plus, he also recently got into producing kid’s content with the Netflix series Karma’s World under his real name, Chris Bridges.

Fast & Furious will be ending fairly soon, and the actor has said his goal is always to give audiences something new to learn about Tej. When it’s all over, provided he figures out what to do about this one obstacle in his life he just can’t seem to shake, I can’t wait to see what Bridges does next. Tell me Ludacris, what's your fantasy?

As has been the case with every Fast & Furious movie aside from Fast X, which ended with quite the harrowing cliffhanger, 2013’s Fast & Furious 6 wrapped up with the good guys victorious. Following the defeat of Owen Shaw, Dominic Toretto and his crew went back to the Toretto family home in Los Angeles to celebrate. That get-together also served as the location for one of the Fast & Furious franchise’s funniest moments. An amusing retort from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Luke Hobbs aimed at Tyrese Gibson’s Roman Pearce led Ludacris’ Tej Parker to spit out his drink, and that latter actor has opened up about the story behind that spit take.

In case you need a refresher, when Hobbs showed up at the party, Roman called out to Mia Toretto that she should “hide” her baby oil, a dig at Hobbs’ bald head. Roman quickly said he was just getting, but Hobbs responded with, “You better hide that big-ass forehead!” Tej spit out his drink and Roman was left stunned. In an interview with BBC Radio 1, Ludacris confirmed his reaction was unscripted, then explained how that Fast & Furious 6 moment came to be:

Most moments in movies are obviously scripted ahead of time, but occasionally opportunities for improvisation arise that end up working so well, they make the final cut. Thanks to Ludacris casually making that suggestion to Dwayne Johnson, we got one of those in Fast & Furious 6. That “forehead” line made Ludacris spit out his drink and Gibson got to experience an insult he wasn’t expecting. It’s actually pretty fitting considering how often Roman is teased by his friends.

The spit take did help lighten the mood a bit after Tej and Roman talked with Han Lue about him going to Tokyo following the presumed death of his girlfriend, Gisele Yashar. Han was later believed to have died too during the events of Tokyo Drift, which took place concurrently with the Fast & Furious 6 end-credits scene and a portion of Furious 7. Fortunately, F9 revealed that Han’s death had been faked by Mr. Nobody, and we learned in Fast X that Gisele is alive too, although how she survived falling out of that plane remains a mystery.

If you’re now wanting to watch Fast & Furious 6, it can be streamed with a Peacock subscription. Otherwise, keep an eye out for our continuing coverage on Fast 11, which is set for release in 2026, and the mid-quel Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Reyes.

Super Bowl LVIII gifted audiences with a tense football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. In addition to the funny SB commercials, the broadcast also featured a show-stopping halftime show headlined by Usher. The iconic singer truly brought plenty of energy and star power to Allegiant Stadium. When it comes to the latter, the Grammy winner brought out Ludacris and Lil Jon for a performance of the hit song “Yeah!” Now, the Fast & Furious cast member is celebrating the fact that their live performance led to a major milestone, and the “Who You Wit?” performer responded in the perfect way.

It would seem that the performance of the 2004 single at the big game had a serious ripple effect. Several of Usher’s songs saw major streaming boosts on Spotify after the Super Bowl this year, with “Yeah!” being one of the most highly played, it seems. Ludacris took to his Instagram to unveil a trophy, which represented the fact that the song has reached over one billion streams. In addition to showing off the certification, the rapper congratulated his collaborators and shouted out the fans who helped make the achievement possible: 

If the past several years have proven anything in regard to pop culture, it’s that what’s old is certainly new again. The tune – which is on the album Confessions – quickly became an earworm when it was released two decades ago, and it has managed to stay in the zeitgeist. That information paired with the boost from the Super Bowl makes it unsurprising that the song would hit such a milestone. It also shouldn’t be shocking that when Lil Jon saw the message he responded in a perfect way: 

That’s one of those messages that you can just hear. And he should indeed be proud of what he and his colleagues have accomplished. I’d imagine that it’s not easy to write a hit song, let alone one that continues to get listened to over two decades. The track – which scored the Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration years ago – is likely to remain a beloved tune for years to come. 

The halftime show helped solidify the notion that there are still plenty of fans who appreciate his classic hits. During the performance, Usher – who got married shortly before the game – belted out “Caught Up” and "U Don't Have to Call" amid other notable tracks in his repertoire. In addition to Ludacris and Lil Jon, he also welcomed Alicia Keys and H.E.R. The set may not have provided redemption for Janet Jackson’s Nipplegate as some thought it might, but it was a vibrant performance that brought a jolt of energy to the SB.

When fans look back at Super Bowl LVIII – one of the biggest TV events to happen this year thus far– they’ll likely think not only of the game but the awesome music played during halftime. With that, I’m willing to bet that even more of Usher’s songs might continue to generate buzz on streaming platforms. And, to that, I’ll simply quote Lil Jon by saying, yeah!

The Super Bowl marked the end of the NFL season, and those looking for other offerings to watch on the boob tube should check out the 2024 TV schedule.

Ahead of Super Bowl LVIII, there was one singer everyone was talking about, and it wasn't Usher Raymond. But while people were obsessed with tracking Taylor Swift's plane and when she'd arrive, Usher was busy cooking up one of the best halftime shows I've seen in a while. (Which can be streamed with a Paramount+ subscription.)

There were a few keys to what made Usher's Super Bowl Halftime performance special, beyond Ludacris and Lil Jon showing up for "Yeah" and its surprisingly NSFW lyrics. Here's what I clocked during the performance and what set a new standard for what makes an entertaining halftime show. 

The Song Choices Were Perfect

Usher surprised me right out of the gate by kicking things off with "Caught Up," which is one of his less notable hits, but still a personal fave. Rolling from that into "You Don't Have To Call" was excellent, and it was easy to see the flow of this medley exciting the crowd before everyone was brought back down in time for the slower moments. As an artist with plenty of certified club anthems and R&B slow jams, it was a must for those frequent transitions not to be awkward, and he pulled it off masterfully. 

What I was more impressed by was how his catalog bled into the guest performances by Alicia Keys, H.E.R., and, of course, Lil Jon and Ludacris. Usher has nothing to do with "Turn Down For What," but whoever made the call to include one of the most awesome stadium anthems of the modern era in the show knew what they were doing. A+ for song choice, there wasn't one choice that I disliked. 

Usher Didn't Go Overboard With Star Power

Ahead of this show, there were tons of rumors that Usher would welcome his young protege Justin Bieber onto the stage, given their relationship, or that he might gift some time to Taylor Swift, who inspired increased ads for women during the Super Bowl. CinemaBlend's Nick Venable personally hoped for a Janet Jackson appearance, but alas, even the man who brought the "A" to Vegas wasn't going to touch Nipplegate. He did bring in Alicia Keys for some tunes on a truly gorgeous piano. 

Instead, he went the more predictable route, and it ended up being a great call. A guy with as many hits as Usher doesn't need a ton of stars to remind the world who he is, and in the end, he proved all we really needed was Lil Jon and Ludacris on stage at the end so they could play "Yeah" and bring the house down. Good on him for not buckling to fan pressure and essentially doing what he thought was best. 

Usher Is The Perfect Nostalgia Artist For Millenials

I'd thought this before the performance, but honestly, when it comes to the best artist for a 30-something millennial audience, Usher is the definitive choice. He had a steady streak of hits from my earliest years in grade school to the time I graduated college. He's still pumping out hits to this day, and do I even have to point out the obvious fact that he can still sing all of his hits? No offense to previously rumored performer *NSYNC, but I don't think we would've gotten the same timeless qualities from them or any other "reunion" act. 

The public will ultimately judge where Usher's halftime show performance ranks among Rihanna's unplanned pregnancy announcement or Jennifer Lopez sharing the stage with Shakira. Personally, I think it was the best halftime show I've seen since The Weeknd took the stage, though I might rank it higher just for the mass appeal of who all enjoyed it. In any case, the general consensus online is that he did a wonderful job, and I certainly agree with at least that much. 

Those who wish to rewatch Usher's halftime performance can do so via Apple Music. Those who were stressing out during the game might want to do so, as I can completely understand if there were some Swifties stressed out about why the Chiefs weren't dominating after that first half. 

Tis is the Holiday Season, which is a time for traditons. For many that includes re-watching the best Christmas movies, particular the funny Holiday movies that'll bring the cheer. But there are also a bunch of new flicks this year, many of which are streaming. One of these recent releases is Dashing Through the Snow, which is available with a Disney+ subscription. Ludcaris' Christmas movie really won me over, so don't sleep in this latest streaming release. 

While Ludaris is known for his role in the Fast and Furious franchise, he trades fast cars for Christmas magic in Dashing Through the Snow. Not only does he give a super charismatic performance, bu the rest of the movie's killer cast does as well. Add in non-stop comedy and some genuine Christmas magic, and this new movie isn't one to be missed.

Dashing Through Snow follows father/crisis counselor Eddie Garrick (Ludacris), who is tasked with taking care of his daughter on Christmas Eve. But when they stumbled upon Lil Rel Howery's Nick aka Santa Clause, the magical hi jinx occur. And that inludes being chased by a shady Senator (The Office's Oscar Nunez) and his cronies. 

I decided to stream Dashing Through the Snow on a whim last weekend, wanting to feel some holiday cheer in the morning. But I never expected to laugh quite as much throughout the movie's runtime. This is largely due to the comedic chops of Lil Rel Howery, who absolutely kills it as an ultra quirky Santa Clause. I was also surprised by some other familiar faces that popped up throughout the movie's runtime, including The Marvels' Teyonah Parris. 

While Kevin Hart could was originally approached to play the movie's protagonist, I thought that Ludacris really held his own throughout the movie. Being the straight man of a comedy is a very specific skill, and the singer/recording artist never pushed too hard into cartoonish reactions to the craziness going around him. 

As previously mentioned, Lil Rel Howery is the biggest scene stealer throughout Dashing Through the Snow. He plays Santa as eternally happy, albeit with one or two screws loose. It's a delight seeing him as a fish out of water throughout the movie's adventures, especially since his magical powers aren't exactly working. 

Every movie version of Santa is different, helping to explain the magic of Christmas in the process. Dashing Through the Snow's Nick does funny things like sweating glitter, and having farts that smell like cinnamon. It's all feels like a fresh take on classic tropes, and the movie is one I'll likely be re-watching in future years. There's already chats about a Dashing Through the Snow sequel online, but it's unclear if the studio is interested.

Dashing Through the Snow is streaming now on Disney+. Be sure to check out the 2024 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience. 

Every once in a while, the folks at Studio 8H book an SNL host who's note an actor and ends up nailing it and many of these examples include people who make music for a living. On other occasions, the artist serving as that night’s musical guest may make an appearance in a sketch or two to show the world that they can be funny, too. The following are some of our favorite examples of famous musicians we usually love to sing along to, but had as laughing along with them in a great SNL bit.

Single Ladies Video Shoot (Beyoncé)

In this fictionalized behind-the-scenes look at the legendary “Single Ladies” video, Beyoncé is shocked and annoyed by the director (host Paul Rudd) and his decision to make her back-up dancers three grown men who turn out to be his stepsons. This Season 34 favorite is actually a twofer that ended up happening because, as MTV News recalls, the former N*SYNCer convinced Queen B to participate in the sketch by showing up at her Studio 8H dressing room in the very leotard he wears alongside Andy Samberg and Bobby Moynihan.

SNL Digital Short: Jack Sparrow (Michael Bolton)

The music video for the fourth track off The Lonely Island’s sophomore album, Turtleneck & Chain, starts off as an unusually earnest effort for the trio. That is until their guest singer, Grammy-winner Michael Bolton, starts throwing in references to the Pirates of the Caribbean movies and later, other cinematic favorites like Forrest Gump and Scarface. For its masterful handling of a truly random idea and irresistibly catchy hook, “Jack Sparrow” is easily one of The Lonely Island’s best music videos and perhaps, some of Bolton’s all-time best work.

Africa Tourism (Adele)

For reasons that are never quite clear — perhaps Kate McKinnon’s accent or the sensuous ways she says “tribesman” — host Adele could not stop laughing while performing in a fake ad for African tourism. Nonetheless, the Oscar-winning,  impeccable James Bond theme song (“Skyfall”) singer’s gigglish reaction — complete with a priceless cross-eyed gaze — is just what makes this Season 46 sketch so memorable.

The Old West (Elton John)

When Elton John hosted SNL during Season 36, he appeared as himself for most of the night, except for in one sketch that proved he can be as much a maestro with comedy as he can be with the keys. The Grammy-winner pokes fun at himself, too, by playing a flamboyantly dressed cowboy, who rides into a small western saloon on a unicorn.

Please Don't Destroy: Three Sad Virgins (Taylor Swift)

In one of Please Don’t Destroy’s most popular SNL bits, the guys are, at first, excited to collaborate with Pete Davidson until their music video becomes a roast at the trio’s expense. “Three Sad Virgins” only gets more “humiliating” when they reach the slowed-down bridge, courtesy of Taylor Swift, whom PDD never imagined would agree to star in the video in the first place.

Mick is Pointing, Pointing, Pointing at Himself (Mick Jagger)

In the early 2000s, when The Rolling Stones returned as musical guest, lead singer Mick Jagger starred in a sketch as himself opposite Jimmy Fallon as the artist’s reflection. The future Tonight Show host’s impersonation of the legendary rock star sitting across from him is so hilariously convincing that even Jagger can’t help but crack a smile.

Pippa Visits the Queen (Katy Perry)

It's surprising that Katy Perry hasn't hosted SNL more often — let alone acted in more things outside the Smurfs movies — given how well she demonstrated her comedic skills on the show in 2011. The grandest highlight is when she dons a Cockney accent to play Pippa Middleton in a sketch poking fun at the Royal Family.

Pandora Radio (Bruno Mars)

Admittedly, the concept of this sketch — in which a Pandora radio employee (played by host Bruno Mars) must sing like artists such as Justin Bieber and Michael Jackson when the website crashes — doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. But who cares? Watching the Grammy-winning hitmaker kill it with his spot-on musical impersonations is stunning.

Hotel Ad (Billie Eilish)

Both Billie Eilish — someone we’d love to see return to SNL as both host and musical guest — and her brother and bandmate, Finneas, star in this funny fake ad for a hotel that is a little too open about the alarming activity that takes place there. The Grammy and Oscar winner is very funny in the sketch but cannot stifle her laughter, which is understandable when Kate McKinnon is your scene partner.

The Barry Gibb Talk Show (Justin Timberlake)

We could not have picked a sketch featuring pop sensation-turned-master thespian Justin Timberlake — already one of the all-time greatest SNL hosts — without making sure Jimmy Fallon was also involved with it. Thus, it was easy to pick “The Barry Gibb Talk Show,” in which Fallon, as The Bee Gees’ lead vocalist, hosts a political discussion program featuring his most silent brother, Robin (Timberlake). 

Stevie Wonder Impersonator (Stevie Wonder)

After demonstrating his own wonderful impersonation of Stevie Wonder, Eddie Murphy shared the stage with the musical genius himself in a classic sketch from 1983. The future Academy Award-nominated SNL star plays an expert in impersonations, who is asked to help improve the Stevie Wonder impression of a man played by Wonder himself.

Judge Barry (Chance The Rapper)

Having only appeared on SNL four times — twice as a host and twice as a musical guest, each for different episodes — Chance the Rapper has already proven himself to be worthy of the hosting hall of fame, especially with this courtroom sketch. Before Jason Momoa rips open his shirt and steals the show, the hip-hop artist is fantastic as a judge who bases his rulings only on first impressions.

Parole Board (Blake Shelton)

When appearing as host and musical guest during SNL’s 40th season, country music superstar Blake Shelton demonstrated surprisingly impressive acting chops. He was in a sketch that initially seems to recreate a classic scene from the great Stephen King movie The Shawshank Redemption. However, a parole board member played by the former Voice coach bluntly reveals that Kenan Thompson’s prisoner has committed an unforgivable offense that leaves him with very little chance of freedom.

Blizzard Man (Ludacris)

To give his new album an extra boost, Ludacris (as himself) brings in a fabled hip-hop artist known as the Blizzard Man (Andy Samberg), who, as it turns out, cannot rap and does not even bother to rhyme his aggressively lame lyrics. The veteran of the Fast and Furious movies later appears alongside T-Pain in another edition of this sketch that is only made funnier by the fact that Samberg is totally capable of dropping some sick rhymes.

Parents Call (Halsey)

In host and musical guest Halsey’s monologue for her Season 44 episode, she described herself as an SNL fanatic, and her performance throughout the show really proves it. The Sing 2 cast member’s admiration for the show is especially evident when she dons a comically exaggerated New Jersey accent as a woman having an awkward, revealing phone call with her son (played by Mikey Day) in this sketch.

SNL Digital Short: Shy Ronnie (Rihanna)

In SNL’s 35th season, musical guest Rihanna teamed up with The Lonely Island for the first time on a Digital Short starring Andy Samberg as the title character. The comic plays a man who is too nervous to rap… as long as the “Umbrella” singer is in the room. It garnered a sequel called, “Shy Ronnie 2: Ronnie & Clyde,” featuring Rihanna and Samberg dressed as Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway’s titular roles from 1967’s Bonne and Clyde.

Bond Casino Showdown (Tim McGraw)

We knew Tim McGraw could act from his roles in movies like The Blind Side and Country Strong, but never realized just how funny he could be when he hosted in Season 34. The hilarious peak of the 1883 cast member’s episode is a James Bond movies parody in which a vacationing redneck (McGraw) participates in a poker tournament with 007 (Bill Hader) and Le Chiffre (Fred Armisen).

SNL Digital Short: I'm On A Boat (T-Pain)

When Andy Samberg finds a winning ticket a boat ride for three in his cereal box, he invites fellow Lonely Islander Akiva Shaffer but skips over Jorma Taccone to select T-Pain. The rapper, famous for his use of auto-tune, is key to making the other ridiculous “I’m on a Boat” video a celebrated anthem for taking it easy while cruising through water.

The Train Poet (Johnny Cash)

One of the first musical artists to try their hand at acting as an SNL host was Johnny Cash, who actually only starred in three sketches from his Season 7 episode (two of which he never speaks in). Yet when the legendary “Man in Black” stars as a train passenger expressing his fond memories of his commute in a rhyming monologue, he really gives it all.

Rap Roundtable (Questlove) 

In one of Questlove’s most notable cameos, The Roots drummer participates in a panel of hip-hop artists also including Queen Latifah (Pinkie Johnson) and two up-and-comers (Pete Davidson and Timothée Chalamet), who clearly don’t know anything about the genre. What really helps ease this almost terrible SNL sketch to something amazing is when the Academy Award-winning director of Summer of Soul puts an end to the young “rapper’s” mindless ramblings by striking them with his hair pick.

Wayne's World: Aerosmith (Aerosmith)

Many would agree that Wayne Campbell from “Wayne’s World” — which inspired one of the funniest SNL movies — is still one of Mike Myers’ best characters. But deciding on the recurring sketch’s peak moment is a bit trickier. Ultimately, we have to go with the time Aerosmith — with help from their roadie and Garth’s (Dana Carvey) cousin, Barry (one of Tom Hanks’ best SNL characters) — appeared on the no-budget cable access program and performed their own rendition of the theme song.

Punk Band Reunion At The Wedding (Dave Grohl)

Dave Grohl appears in a sketch or two nearly every time he and the Foo Fighters perform, but, arguably, his best SNL bit comes from when he played with Them Crooked Vultures — a supergroup he formed with Josh Homme and John Paul Jones. The former Nirvana drummer became a part of another band that night consisting of Fred Armisen, Bill Hader and host Ashton Kutcher in a sketch that sees aging punk rockers bring the house down at a wedding reception.

Spider-Man Kiss (Chris Martin) 

In one of the most popular sketches on SNL’s YouTube Channel, a dramatized inside-look at the making of 2014’s The Amazing Spider-Man 2 reveals that then-real-life-couple Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone (both playing themselves) had some trouble shooting their climactic kissing scene. The solution: bringing in Chris Martin — frontman of the night’s musical guest, Coldplay — to don a blonde wig and take Stone’s place.

Hamm & Bublé (Michael Bublé)

This SNL sketch prominently featuring the A-list host, Jon Hamm, is framed as an ad for a new eatery co-owned by the Mad Men cast member and musical guest, Michael Bublé, called Hamm and Bublé (pronounced “bubbly” by Hamm). However, as the Canadian crooner reveals in song, he thinks the restaurant’s concept — serving ham with champagne — is ridiculous and is being forced into the business against his will.

SNL Digital Short: Boombox (Julian Casablancas)

One of The Lonely Island’s most unique collaborations saw Julian Casablancas — lead singer of Manhattan-based rock band The Strokes — provide vocals for the hip-hop trio’s 2010 song, “Boombox.” The video, which premiered on SNL in Season 35, sees Andy Samberg and Casablancas attempting to rescue strangers from mundane scenarios with the power of music, only for us to discover by the ending that is was a “cautionary tale” all along.

Spelling Bee (Tenacious D)

In a sketch that was partially mprovised and conceived by SNL star Will Forte, a young spelling bee contestant’s attempt to spell the word “business” results in an astonishing failure — consisting of an innumerable amount of random letters spouted for more than a minute. Suddenly, host Jack Black appears with his Tenacious D bandmate, Kyle Gass, to perform a song revealing that the bit was inspired by an embarrassing moment from the School of Rock star’s childhood (which is not true, by the way).

Little Drummer Boy (Whitney Houston)

In one of Molly Shannon’s most iconic appearances as Mary Katherine Gallagher, the overly ambitious Catholic school student struggles to out-sing her rival choir member, who happens to be played by the night’s uber-talented musical guest, Whitney Houston. Shannon recalled to Howard Stern (via YouTube) how she was actually able to convince the initially reluctant Houston to appear in the bit by telling her she just had to act “snotty.”

Garth Brooks Backstage With Tracy (Garth Brooks)

The second time Garth Brooks hosted SNL, the musical guest was his own rock star alter ego, Chris Gaines — a bizarre concept that earned mixed reactions in the late ‘90s. The country singer showed he had sense of humor about it all by participating in a sketch taking place backstage with Tracy Morgan, who criticizes Gaines in front of Brooks, unaware that they are the same person.

Waking Up With Kimye: Apple Genius (Lady Gaga)

When Kim Kardashian and Kanye West were still married, SNL had a recurring sketch that starred Jay Pharaoh and Nasim Pedrad as the celebrity couple hosting their own morning talk show. One edition featured host Lady Gaga as an Apple Store employee who makes a cleverly self-effacing comment about the true intentions of people who “try too hard with their outfits.”

Wayne's World (Madonna)

In one of many of Wayne Campbell’s (Mike Myers) iconic interactions with famous musicians, the cable access program host recalls the time he shared a romantic encounter with none other than Madonna. Garth (Dana Carvey) gets to experience the memory first-hand in the pre-taped bit, which also features a random cameo by the late Prince.

Orchestra (Lizzo)

Lizzo is famous for three unique talents: playing the flute, twerking, and performing both acts at the same time. That simultaneous mastery is demonstrated beautifully in a sketch from her Season 47 episode in which she plays an orchestra hopeful who is unable to play the flout without twerking.

Gangnam Style (Psy)

In SNL’s Season 38 premiere, host Seth MacFarlane starred in a sketch as a Lids clerk who tries to cheer up his co-worker (played by Kenan Thompson) by summoning Psy to perform “Gangnam Style” at the push of a button. Bobby Moynihan plays the viral K-pop sensation for most of the segment until the man himself appears in a surprise cameo at the very end.

A great way for musicians to show that their talents stray behind song and dance is by acting on SNL, as seen in these sketches.

Spoilers for Disney+’s Dashing Through the Snow are mentioned ahead, so read with caution.

Amid the smattering of 2023 new movie releases, there are a few Christmas movies on the schedule that have (or are set to) hit the scene. One of the latest is Dashing Through the Snow, which is a holiday romp starring Chris “Ludacris” Bridges and Lil Rel Howery in the lead roles. The film is relatively self-contained but, by the end of it, one can’t help but get the feeling that a sequel could still be made. As it so happens, Bridges confirmed to CinemaBlend exclusively that he would love to star in a follow-up at some point. Howery, on the other hand, has an idea for another holiday movie team-up, and I’d definitely be down to see it. 

I was able to speak with the two actors about their work on the movie before it became available to Disney+ subscribers. During our Zoom interview at the junket, I couldn’t help but ask if they believed Dashing Through the Snow 2 could become a reality. When faced with that prospect, Ludacris conveyed a lot of enthusiasm over it. The fan-favorite entertainer seems to believe that a second film could inject something fresh into this would-be franchise:

The Tim Story-directed Christmas flick centers on social worker Eddie Garrick (Ludacris), who wants nothing more than for the holiday season to be over. The spirit of the season hits him in a big way, though after he and his young daughter, Charlotte (Madison Skye Validum), cross paths with a mysterious man named Nick (Lil Rel Howery). The red-suited stranger, who claims to be Santa Claus, takes the two on a wild adventure, during which they have to evade a corrupt politician’s thugs. The trio are ultimately successful in exposing the villains’ wrongdoing, and Nick – who turns out to be the real Kris Kringle – restores Eddie’s yuletide joy and helps him reconcile with his estranged wife. 

A sequel could absolutely focus on the continued friendship between Eddie and Nick and see them get into more shenanigans. However, Lil Rel Howery has another idea. The comedian, who was cast after Kevin Hart had to pass on playing Santa, revealed to us that he wants to make a Father’s Day film with his co-star next, and his idea sounds wild: 

I mean… can someone please make that movie? It’d probably be a far cry from the warm (and kid-friendly) film the two stars just made, but it could be a good time at the movies for adults. Funny enough, the Get Out star does have plenty of experience with movies that revolve around people on the road or taking trips. He’s starred in both of the Vacation Friends films (which can be streamed using a Hulu subscription) and the prank movie Bad Trip, on which he and co-star Eric André tried a prank involving Chris Rock. Ludacris seemed to be game for his co-star’s pitch, saying:

You can’t convince me that a studio wouldn’t at least consider this idea, especially if the two leading men are involved. They seem to have built solid rapport with each other, and it would be fun to see them push the envelope in an adult-oriented comedy. And if that doesn’t happen, then I’m sure plenty of people would be perfectly content with them reteaming for a Dashing sequel. 

Dashing Through the Snow is still streaming alongside some great original movies on Disney+.

Fans know a few details about Fast & Furious 11 at this point, including the fact that it could very well be the final installment in Universal Pictures’ high-octane blockbuster franchise. And as of late, Vin Diesel and the cast have discussed the franchise’s conclusion. For them, the movie will mark the end of a cinematic journey, which has spanned decades. One of the series’ OGs, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, spoke with CinemaBlend about saying goodbye to this blockbuster behemoth of an IP. At the same time, he also opened up about his biggest goal for the upcoming film.

Ludacris made his first appearance as Tej Parker in 2003’s 2 Fast 2 Furious, with the character being established as a race host and friend of Brian O’Conner. The A-lister was then absent from the franchise for several years, before Parker resurfaced in 2011’s Fast Five. Since then, he’s popped up in all of the films and has become a core part of Toretto’s crew. His fate – along with those of several others – is left unclear by the end of Fast X (which left fans with questions about FF 11). However, it’s more than fair to assume that he’ll pop up again for the gang’s last ride.

With that in mind, I couldn’t help but ask the “Money Maker” performer about the beloved, automobile-infused series when I spoke to him (and Lil Rel Howery) in promotion of their new movie, Dashing Through the Snow. I specifically asked the entertainer if he’s prepared to bid farewell to Tej, and his response might surprise you: 

Based on his comments, the fan-favorite entertainer didn’t even believe he was going to return after his first outing in this fictional universe. So everything since has pretty much been the icing on the cake for him. He’s always seemed to appreciate what these movies have done for his career. And that’s probably why at his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony earlier this year, he spoke about how Vin Diesel and Fast changed his life. In addition to asking about saying goodbye, I was also eager to get his thoughts on his main goal for the eleventh movie, and it seems he knows exactly what he wants: 

You can’t argue with Ludacris’ desire to have his character continue to grow in interesting ways that keep audiences invested in his journey. It’s also been fun to see how Tej has evolved since his inaugural appearance. I’m not sure how many people would’ve pegged him for being one of the Toretto crew’s resident tech geniuses, but he is indeed integral to their cause in that regard. And as the Hustle & Flow pointed out, the man has also proved that he’s more than formidable in a fight.

Fast X saw Parker working alongside his allies amid their war against the devious and unpredictable Dante Reyes, who sought revenge on Dom for the death of his father. At the same time, Tej, Han Lue, Ramsey and Roman Pierce try to evade the authorities after the team was framed for a bombing in Rome. In the final scene, the quartet arrived by plane to assist Dom, though the aircraft was shot down by crooked enforcement official Aimes. Their fates remain uncertain as a result of that cliffhanger, and many are surely waiting anxiously to find out how that narrative thread is resolved. 

In the meantime though, it sounds regardless of what happens, Ludacris will be prepared to say goodbye to Tej Parker whenever that moment arrives. It’ll be exciting to see how the character’s arc ultimately concludes, and I hope the hip hop veteran’s aim to add more layers to Tej pans out. 

The Fast & Furious movies are currently streaming on various platforms, and the eleventh installment is currently slated to ride into theaters on April 4, 2025. You can also stream his latest title on the schedule of 2023 new movie releases, Dashing Through the Snow, using a Disney+ subscription.

Now, let’s get something straight, when we watch Fast and Furious movies we are not seeking them out for scientific accuracy. We are watching them for fast cars, fantastical action and family…duh. However, it’s hard not to wonder if the wild stunts and missions in these movies could actually happen in real life. I know I certainly have pondered that, especially when I watched F9 and saw Tyrese Gibson and Ludacris’ characters go to space, yes space. Well, now a real astronaut has broken down the scene, and while it’s “fun,” as expected, it’s not accurate, and he roasted one specific aspect of Tej and Roman’s mission. 

While any viewer can understand that the space mission in F9 is totally unrealistic, retired astronaut Chris Hadfield, the first Canadian to walk in space, broke down exactly why this wouldn’t work in an interview with Vanity Fair. He explained that while the movies are “fun,” they’re also almost like a “cartoon” with how outlandish they can be. He pointed out a specific example of why the space mission was unrealistic by comparing the amount of time it took him to get to space vs. Tej and Roman in the ninth Fast and Furious movie. He said:

Talk about a roast! While Hadfield gave “kudos” to Top Gun: Maverick for its accuracy, he couldn’t really do the same for F9. 

However, he does love the movie, and he found one element of Tyrese Gibson and Ludacris’ trip off Earth that actually is accurate. After he commented on how driving a Pontiac Fiero in space is nothing like flying a spaceship, he noted there was one moment in F9 that looked like something he’d experienced. He said:

Along with his little comparative roast, I love that Hadfield noted one of the accurate pieces of this overall outlandish sequence. 

In the end, the Fast movies are not here to show us what cars are realistically capable of. The fun action flicks are meant to make impossible scenarios look possible through movie magic. Seeing beloved characters like the two Ludacris and Tyrese Gibson play go to space was incredibly fun, and something Fast fans loved, Hadfield included. 

Tej and Roman’s space mission may not be accurate, but it’s a real big highlight on the Fast and Furious timeline. To watch F9 and this iconic space-based sequence, you can stream the movie on Freevee through an Amazon Prime subscription.

Family should always celebrate family, and the cast of Fast and Furious makes sure to do just that, especially when it's one of their co-stars’ birthdays. In September, the celebration gets turned up to eleven, because two of the actors in this car-centric saga have birthdays one day apart. So, to show some love for Ludacris and Paul Walker, the family, including the late actor’s daughter Meadow Walker, honored them on social media, and it's all so sweet. 

For context, Ludacris’ birthday is on September 11 and Paul Walker’s is on September 12. So, in honor of their neighboring days, the family took to social media to celebrate.

How Ludacris And Vin Diesel Celebrated The Rapper's Birthday 

Ludacris celebrated his 46th birthday on September 11 by hanging out with his wife and daughters. The rapper took to Instagram to show the dog-pile-like hug he received, and it’s the most adorable thing ever, check it out:

The love from his family is real, and this is the cutest video. What a fantastic way to bring in 46!

Along with Ludacris posting about how his family recognized his birthday, his on-screen family also showed their love. Vin Diesel took to Instagram to honor the Fast and Furious tech genius, noting that they are “brothers by bond.” Check out the Dom Toretto actor’s sweet post for his friend’s big day:

The appreciation and adoration the Fast and Furious cast has for each other is infectious, and having a double dose of birthdays and seeing the posts for Ludacris and Paul Walker clearly proves it.  

Meadow Walker Honored Her Father Paul Walker For His Birthday 

The day after Ludacris’ birthday is Paul Walker’s big day, and this year would have marked his 50th birthday. To honor her late father, and the beloved franchise he helped pioneer, Meadow Walker took to Instagram to post about the actor behind Brian. 

Meadow was only 1 year old when The Fast and The Furious was released, however, she’s always been clear about the love she has for the franchise and her father’s role in it. She even had a little cameo in Fast X that was a sweet nod to her dad. 

Late last year, on the anniversary of his death Diesel shared a sweet tribute for his on-screen partner in crime. The Dom actor and Ludacris had a sweet exchange on Meadow’s birthday last year too. Also, Paul Walker’s and Brian’s legacy is still felt in the Fast and Furious movies. So, the actor is still very much a big part of the family. 

Along with Meadow’s sweet post of her and her dad when she was a baby, she shared her favorite image of him from the Fast franchise on social media. With it came an announcement that to celebrate his 50th birthday they’d be selling T-shirts to raise money for the Paul Walker Foundation. Showing her love for her co-star and on-screen partner, Jordana Brewster also posted about the fundraiser. 

So, overall, there’s a lot of love and a whole lot of good going out into the world as we celebrate Ludacris and Paul Walker. 

If you are looking for a Fast and Furious way to show your love for these actors, you can stream Fast X with a Peacock subscription on September 15. If you want to stream the other Fast and Furious movies, they’re available across a variety of platforms, with 2 Fast 2 Furious -- the movie where Paul Walker and Ludacris shared the screen together for the first time -- being available with a Netflix subscription. 

Celebrities like Karen Gillan and Hayley Atwell have been looking incredibly suave posing in the bathtub, but they’re not the only ones having fun in the tub. One celebrity from the Fast & Furious movies has joined in. We're talking about Ludacris, who has taken part in the bathtub trend that makes us all wish we could take a nice bath right now.

What’s cooler than being cool? Right now, it’s Ludacris. With more celebrities taking part in making a bathtub look so good, the soon-to-be 46-year-old actor/rapper joins the trend taking a video of himself on Instagram relaxing in his new tub. 

The Fast X actor’s caption thanked Plunge for giving him an early birthday present. This new tub is so big that it apparently needed a new room of its own. You can see the “Southern Hospitality” rapper sporting a fro that brings us back to his start in the car-racing franchise when he was in 2 Fast 2 Furious. Instagrammers, of course, commented that Ludacris’ hair gave them nostalgia feels as well, and how he's basically aged like fine wine. Despite the pruny fingers I’d have, it would still take a lot of willpower for me to leave a bathtub as giant as this one. 

As celebrities work long and hard hours, they deserve to make time for themselves in the bath like anyone else. But two other celebrities before him posed in the tub more in a professional photoshoot fashion. First, Captain America’s Hayley Atwell hopped in the bathtub to promote Mission: Impossible- Dead Reckoning Part One in a sexy red dress. She took to the tub again at the end of the summer for an outdoor bath on a recent vacation. The British actress’s latest photoshoot reunited her with the tub as she clashed against a black-and-white patterned wall. This classy actress shows that the bathtub can either be a tool for professionally shot photos or just to have some well-deserved “me time.”

Karen Gillan followed suit as she showed she could pose like the best of them next to the tub. In a fun Guardians of the Galaxy photoshoot, the Scottish actress posed by a bathtub wearing one of the most fashionable boots I’ve ever seen. Whether she was standing next to the tub, sitting on its side or laying herself stretched out inside, she and the bathroom accessory make a great combo. As for why she’s been taking photos in her bathroom, the Jumanji star explained it was because she got the best lighting in there for photos. Photographers should make note of this if they need location ideas for more photoshoots.

With the Fast & Furious franchise still going, Ludacris has been taking some long-deserved bathtub time with his early birthday present just like Karen Gillan and Hayley Atwell had before him. Keep up with our 2023 movie releases so you’ll be caught up on more of Ludacris’ future projects, and don’t forget to add Fast & Furious 11 to your watchlist on April 4, 2025.

The mid-credits scene of Fast X was revealed before the movie opened for most audiences, so many people knew that Dwayne Johnson would be returning to the Fast & Furious franchise. However, we didn’t really know what that meant until more recently. Rather than simply returning for Fast & Furious 11 (or Fast X Part II as it is also being called) Johnson's Hobbs is coming back for what’s being called a spinoff film to bridge the finale, and the fans and the villain, are here for it.

Dwayne Johnson took to Instagram to confirm reports that he will be starring in a spinoff movie that will act as a bridge between the two-part Fast & Furious finale that is Fast X. Fans responded in a big way of course, but there were also some replies from the Fast Family, including Jason Momoa, who posted once as himself, but also in character as Dante, saying…

The final scene of Fast X reveals that in addition to making Dominic Toretto’s life hell, Dante is also going after Hobbs, as the man who actually pulled the trigger and killed his father. Momoa played Dante as a completely over the top character, so this response from him is absolutely perfect, but Momoa responded a second time as himself to express how excited he is to headline a movie with The Rock, in a film that will be somewhat groundbreaking for AAPI representation…

While Jason Momoa was the most excited for the upcoming movie, he wasn’t the only Fast X cast member to respond. Ludacris did as well. He dropped the “look of triumph” emoji, so he’s clearly also excited that Hobbs is back in the family.

Fans also had a lot to say about the return of Dwayne Johnson. As one might expect, 99% of the responses are positive. These are mostly fans of Johnson or Fast & Furious, or both, that are responding, so of course they’re going to be happy to see one of their favorite stars return to the fold. As one commenter put it…

But it should be said that there are a few snide and sarcastic responses, including one who suggested that The Rock had some motivation to put his feud with Vin Diesel in the past, as his last big starring effort, Black Adam was not the success anybody was hoping for, and the character is on hold following the plan to reboot the DC Universe. As the commenter said…

While the reports are clear that this upcoming spinoff is not the long delayed Hobbs & Shaw 2 is still sounds a lot like exactly the sort of movie that I thought the next Fast & Furious movie should be, so I’m certainly excited to see what comes next. 

By this point, the seemingly never-ending success of the Fast & Furious franchise has been well-documented. The series has seen its ups and downs, sure, but it still has quite a dedicated fanbase. However, it's longevity was recently questioned, and longtime series star Ludacris has a blunt response for those wondering. The rapper and actor didn't hold back in expressing his thoughts during a recent chat, and they were as explicit as they were honest. The “Act a Fool” even says that when some ask why actors would still show up for the series, it constitutes “the dumbest fucking question” that could be asked.

The entertainer was one of the most recent guests to appear on All The Smoke with Matt Barnes And Stephen Jackson. It was there that he was hit with the ultimate question: Why do the FF cast members keep returning for more? According to him, the answer is simple: it has everything to do with that “bottom line.” He told the hosts:

The long-running iP, born in 2001 as a humble street racing film, has become an unstoppable global blockbuster sensation. Though the FF series' timeline might need some explanation, starting with Fast Five, it has undergone a remarkable transformation. And in the process, it's solidifying its position as one of the most significant and arguably best action movie franchises worldwide. 

The latest installment, Fast X, roared onto the scene and quickly raced to the top of the box office, hauling in a respectable $67.5 million domestically during its opening weekend. Despite previous plans for the penultimate and upcoming ultimate chapter of the series, Vin Diesel recently teased a potential trilogy to wrap things up. All in all, the franchise shows no signs of pumping the brakes when it comes to box office success. With each new film, audiences are treated to adrenaline-fueled action, mind-blowing stunts and a star-studded ensemble, making it a massive cash cow for Universal Pictures.

Ludacris cemented his place in the Fast & Furious family with his appearance in 2003’s 2 Fast 2 Furious, so he has had a front-row seat to the series' transformation over the past years. Recently the musician was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where he expressed gratitude for the series that has changed his life.

The movies consistently rake in enormous profits and boast a devoted fan base, so it's no surprise that the franchise keeps racing forward. While there may be skeptics wondering if more Fast movies are necessary, the Hustle and Flow star previously expressed that he doesn’t mind the series ending. Yet his straightforward reply serves as a reminder that, in the world of entertainment, financial success speaks volumes.

Fast X raked in an impressive $387 million at the global box office in its first week. This achievement positions the film well within the franchise rankings. However, it faces stiff competition from Disney's live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, which has been dominating the Memorial Day weekend. Adding to the challenge, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 continues to draw audiences with its enduring popularity. With an insane budget of $340 million, the latest Fast movie still has some ground to cover in order to solidify its place among the franchise's most successful installments. But if you ask Ludacris, he'd probably say that he and his colleagues are sitting pretty as is.

You can see Fast X in theaters now, and check out our schedule of 2023 new movie releases to plan your next trip to the cinema.

In a celebration befitting the Fast and Furious franchise’s close-knit family dynamic, the Hollywood Walk of Fame welcomed Ludacris, whose birth name is Chris Bridges, with open arms, as he received his well-deserved star. The ceremony became a heartwarming family reunion, filled with touching speeches from his co-stars and collaborators, LL Cool J and Vin Diesel. During an emotional interview at the ceremony, the musician opened up about the profound impact Diesel and the Fast franchise have had on his life.

During an interview with ET amidst the star-studded ceremony, the actor, who cemented his place in the Fast and Furious family with his appearance in 2003’s 2 Fast 2 Furious, couldn’t contain his amazement at the extraordinary alignment of events on the momentous day. Gratitude washed over him as he found himself “blown away” by the overwhelming support and presence of his beloved friends, family, and co-stars who had gathered to pay homage to his illustrious career. Chris Bridges left no doubt about the unbreakable bond shared among the blockbuster franchise's cast, emphasizing that their connection goes far beyond the silver screen. He also revealed how essential LL Cool J was to his musical career, saying:

Taking to social media, the Hustle & Flow alum shared his profound appreciation for the milestone moment and some additional images from the ceremony using an Instagram post. In the caption, he reflected on the significance of the day, proclaiming:

Since its inception in 2001, the Fast and Furious franchise has skyrocketed into a cultural sensation, captivating fans with its adrenaline-pumping action, star-studded ensemble, and powerful themes of kinship and fidelity. Ludacris, in particular, has experienced a remarkable journey through the franchise, in which he's not only showcased his acting chops but also undergone a profound personal evolution. Now, as the series gears up for what could be its ultimate finale(s), the actor joins forces once again with his beloved returning castmates, ready to deliver one last(ish) heart-racing hurrah.

Buckle up, because the highly anticipated 10th installment of the action-packed Fast saga has arrived, ready to thrill fans again. Returning from their last adventure in 2021’s F9, Vin Diesel’s iconic Dom Toretto and his fearless crew are back in Fast X, kicking off what could be a two-part grand finale (or maybe even a trilogy, if we’re to believe Diesel’s teasing). 

This time, the family is bracing themselves to confront their past head-on as the electrifying Jason Momoa joins the franchise as the vengeful son of Hernan Reyes from Fast Five. In a clever twist, Momoa’s character has been seamlessly woven into the existing mythology, seeking vengeance for his father’s tragic fate. Early reactions to Fast X were a mixed bag, and it's now officially raced into theaters. According to Deadline, the film sprinted slightly ahead of its predecessor, F9, raking in a whopping $66 million on its opening night. The Fast saga shows no signs of slowing down, delivering high-octane thrills and pulse-pounding excitement to audiences around the globe.

Ludacris’s unforgettable Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony embodied the true spirit of family, friendship, and creative synergy that defines the Fast franchise. It's a well-earned distinction, and we wish him nothing but continued success moving forward. 

Catch the multi-talented musician in the latest high-octane installment, Fast X, now. Don’t forget to check your local listings for showtimes and mark your calendar using our schedule of 2023 new movie releases to plan your upcoming trips to the theater.

The 10th installment in the ridiculously popular Fast & Furious saga is finally upon us. Fans last caught up with Vin Diesel’s Dom Toretto and the crew in 2021’s F9, and in Fast X — the first movie of a two-part finale (or possibly a trilogy, per Diesel) — the family will be confronted with their past. Jason Momoa joins the franchise as the son of Hernan Reyes from Fast Five, and he’s seeking revenge against Dom’s family for their role in his father’s death. With just a week until the blockbuster hits theaters, some have had the opportunity to attend an early screening, and they’re hitting social media with their first reactions.

In addition to Jason Momoa’s “flamboyant bad boy” Dante, others joining the Fast & Furious universe include Brie Larson, Alan Ritchson, Daniela Melchior and Rita Moreno. The Fast X cast also returns a lot of our favorites from the past two decades, including Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Jordana Brewster, Cardi B, Charlize Theron, John Cena, Jason Statham, Helen Mirren and more. So let’s see what people are saying about the epic 10th film, starting with CinemaBlend’s Eric Eisenberg, who praises Momoa’s “gleeful psychopath,” tweeting: 

KIrsten Acuna of Insider is one of several people saying this feels like the franchise’s Infinity War, with Dante as Thanos. In her tweet thread, she says she ranks it about in the middle of the Fast & Furious movies and definitely has some quibbles, but overall can’t wait to see it again. Acuna’s full breakdown: 

Liam Crowley of Comicbook.com calls the film “utterly ridiculous,” but surely he means it in the very best way. Be sure to make it to the theater to see this one on the big screen, Crowley tweets: 

Jason Momoa is the subject of many of the first reactions, including that of ScreenRant’s Joseph Deckelmeier, who says the actor oozes charisma as Dante:

Even Germain Lussier of Gizmodo, who calls Fast X the “worst Fast yet,” concedes that the Aquaman star is “God-Level” in his franchise introduction. His performance alone is worth the price of admission, Lussier says: 

In addition to Jason Momoa, who film critic Simon Thompson calls “decadent,” Alan Ritchson is another standout. Despite the large cast, somehow Fast X doesn’t feel like it’s got too many cooks in the kitchen. Thompson continues: 

The impending release of Fast X has also brought about news regarding Dwayne Johnson’s future with the Fast & Furious franchise, after he was absent from F9. I’ll avoid saying anything more here, but fans who are invested in what’s going on with Luke Hobbs can click that link.

Overall, it sounds like audiences are in for another wild ride — and we’ve come to expect nothing less from these movies — and Jason Momoa sounds like a thrilling addition to an already stacked cast. If you need to relive any of the previous installments ahead of Fast X’s release to theaters on Friday, May 19, check out how to watch the first nine Fast and Furious movies. Also be sure to see what else is hitting the big screen soon with our 2023 movie release schedule. 

I feel like the Fast and Furious movies found their footing with Fast Five, and with Fast and Furious 6, they were able to use that newfound knowledge and make a movie that tied the universe together and sent the audience on a very fun ride. While most Fast and Furious rankings would put the fifth and seventh installments on the top, I’d make the argument that the sixth movie is the best one so far (the jury is still out on seven). Overall, I really, really enjoyed watching the ensemble shine in this wicked fun and action-packed movie. 

I Loved All The Unexpected Duos In Fast And Furious 6 

Arguably the best thing about Fast and Furious 6 is the ensemble cast. We got to see a bit of the crew's eclectic chemistry in Fast Five, but in this movie they actually capitalized on the talent of the supporting cast, and paired them up in unexpected ways, making for a super fun movie. 

My first favorite unexpected duo was Han and Rome, who were supporting Giselle as they tried to find Shaw, and in the other, we had Hobbs and Tej trying to buy cars in London. Both duos were hilarious, chaotic and provided levity for the film, while also advancing the plot. I never thought I’d say Ludacris and The Rock have great chemistry, but they do, and their scene dealing with an uppity car dealer was easily one of my favorite moments in the movie. The same goes for the scene between Han and Rome; talk about a chaotic duo. 

Overall, I’m just glad the writers finally decided to let these actors shine, and pair them in ways that were unexpected and hilarious. 

Michelle Rodriguez Was The Best Part Of This Movie

Following the death of Letty, and the news that she was alive, which surprised Michelle Rodriguez and me, I was a bit concerned about how they’d work her back into the story. So, I was pleasantly surprised when they not only brought her back but gave her the most interesting storyline in Fast and Furious 6. Hands down, the best part of this movie was Rodriguez’s performance as she re-discovered that she was part of the family and slowly turned from a bad guy back into a good one. 

It was also so refreshing to see a woman as one of the leads of the movie, and she was on an equal playing field with Vin Diesel and Paul Walker. She got to be just as in the action as both of them, and she had the most interesting story out of everyone. Overall, I’m so happy they brought Letty back, and they proved to all of us once again that Michelle Rodriguez is a powerhouse. 

They Finally Gave Ludacris The Screen Time He Deserves

Tej has been one of my favorite characters since he was introduced in 2 Fast 2 Furious, and ever since I’ve felt like they’ve never really given Ludacris his time to shine. However, as the last point stated, one of my favorite things about this movie is the unexpected duos and the amped-up screen time for all the beloved side characters, including Tej. 

I’ve always thought that he was one of the most interesting characters in the franchise. He’s not the biggest fan of driving, all he wants is to open a garage and he’s the crew’s tech guy in five and six. Ludacris’ character is unlike any of the others, and it seems like the rapper/actor really, really enjoys playing him. I mean the spit-take at the end of six is enough to make him one of the best cast members of the movie, but he really shined through the entire action-packed adventure. 

We Need To Talk About The Elephant – Or Tank, In This Case – In The Room 

To quote Rome: “I’m sorry, did somebody just say a tank?” Oh yes, they did say tank, and that was not a CGI tank either, it was a real one. While this scene is wild to watch the first time, when you learn how they did it, it becomes even crazier. Dennis McCarthy, the car coordinator on the film, told New York Daily News that they had two tanks and mock-ups on set. He said they had ten Dodge Chargers on set that day, to play the two shown in the movie, and explained that many of the crashes we saw really happened. McCarthy said: 

I agree; the times I’ve been able to notice the CGI in these movies I’m always a bit disappointed. However, in Fast and Furious 6 that was not the case, I was impressed the whole time, especially when it comes to this crazy tank scene. 

I Appreciated How They Tied In The Events From Past Films

The writers for movies two through five must have been in a silly-goofy mood when they told their stories, and because of it Fast and Furious 6 had to do a lot of course correcting when it came to the Fast and Furious timeline and various plot lines, and I greatly appreciated it. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still extremely convoluted, but they were trying to fix things in this movie, and that’s what really matters. It’s the thought that counts.

There were two major points where I noticed, and liked, how they tied six in with past events. The first came when they brought Braga back, tying the events of Fast and Furious and Letty’s death directly to Fast and Furious 6, as well as the entire timeline. By making Brian face Braga in jail, we learned how the events of the fourth movie played into the greater Fast universe, and it made it clear that we were watching one (relatively) cohesive story.

The second connection came at the very end of the movie. Our boy Han is the biggest reason for the wacky timeline, and following the death of Gisele, he decides to head to Japan, implying that the events of Tokyo Drift are finally going to come into play.

So…Jason Statham Is The Reason Han Dies In Tokyo Drift?

I’ve been wondering how Jason Statham was going to make his entrance into the Fast franchise, and the way he was introduced was extremely unexpected. Early on in the movie, when Shaw (Luke Evans) was introduced, I figured he was related to Statham’s Shaw. I’m aware of the Hobbs and Shaw movie, and I’ve seen enough of the trailers to know that the older Shaw we were introduced to at the end of this movie will eventually become part of the family. 

Due to this ever-so-slight knowledge of what comes next, the last thing I was expecting was Jason Statham’s involvement in Fast and Furious 6 to be related to Han's death. Since the end of Tokyo Drift, I’ve been wondering who was behind the mysterious death of this fan-favorite character, and I’m very curious to see how Shaw’s involvement in the “death” (I know he’s not really dead…I think) of Han impacts the events of Furious 7.  

Other Thoughts 

• Why was Rita Ora there? 
• The movie should have been named Fast and Furi6. 
• It’s a real bummer that they describe things as “fast” all the time, but never as “fast and furious.” 
• Luke Evans’ character was scary and gross. 
• Who gave Dom and Hobbs superhuman jumping abilities? 

Overall, I feel like Fast and Furious 6 was the first movie where it really felt like everyone making the movie knew exactly what they were doing, and wanted to tell a story that allowed the franchise to be one big cohesive thing. So, with Fast X furiously approaching on the 2023 movie schedule, I’m fascinated to see how the franchise grows, and how this giant story continues to develop.

Looking over the slate 2023 new movie releases, one of the much-anticipated blockbusters coming out in the first half of the year is Fast X, a.k.a. the tenth main installment of the Fast & Furious franchise (11th counting the spinoff Hobbs & Shaw). Fast X also marks the beginning of the end of The Fast Saga that began in 2001 with The Fast and the Furious, and we’re now just under 115 days until it hits theaters. With several more months to go until Fast X’s arrival, Ludacris, who’s been playing Tej Parker since 2003’s 2 Fast 2 Furious, shared his thoughts on filming these movies. 

Ludacris reflected on his experience making Fast & Furious movies while shooting an Instagram video with costar Nathalie Emmanuel, who’s been starring in the franchise as Ramsey since 2015’s Furious 7, to commemorate 115 days until Fast X comes out. Watch the two talk over which was the better city to work in, Atlanta, Georgia or London, England, below:

With Ludacris having moved to Atlanta, Georgia when he was nine years old, it’s no wonder he said that was his favorite place to shoot since it felt like he was back home, with Fast Five, Furious 7 and The Fate of the Furious having rolled cameras there. Nathalie Emmanuel respected Ludacris’ take, but then defended London, which is where Fast & Furious 6, F9 and the soon-to-be-released Fast X shot, calling the city “a cultural capital of the world” Ludcaris countered by calling Atlanta “the strip club capital of the world,” and then reiterating that it’s “pretty much the best city that there is.” Ultimately this boils down to subjective opinion, but one thing they can agree on is they’re looking forward to the world seeing Fast X.

Fast X didn’t get off to the easiest of starts, as a week after principal photography began in late April 2022, director Justin Lin, who’d helmed five of the earlier Fast & Furious movies, exited the blockbuster, with later reports alleging that he and Vin Diesel had been feuding. Soon after, The Incredible Hulk’s Louis Leterrier was tapped to replace Lin, and the rest of filming unfolded seemingly without any other hitches. For those eager a peek at what Fast X has in store, the first trailer will reportedly premiere on February 10, two days ahead of the Super Bowl, which will air a Fast X TV spot.

As far as the talent lineup goes, along with folks like Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Jordana Brewster and Sung Kang joining Vin Diesel, Ludacris and Nathalie Emmanuel for another one of these rides, the Fast X cast also includes newcomers like Jason Momoa (who’s playing one of the villains), Brie Larson, Daniela Melchior, Alan Ritchson, Rita Moreno (who’s playing Dom, Mia and Jakob’s grandmother) and Leo Abelo Perry (who’s taking over as Brian Marcos, Dom and the late Elena’s son). It’s also been rumored that Gal Gadot’s Gisele Yashar will return in Fast X despite it looking like she died in Fast & Furious 6.

Fast X races into theaters on May 19, and the yet-to-be-officially-titled Fast & Furious 11, the final entry in The Fast Saga, is reportedly following in February 2024. Refresh yourself on what went down in F9 by streaming the 2021 movie with an HBO Max subscription.

This past weekend, Paul Walker’s daughter Meadow had her 23rd birthday. It’s obviously a tragedy her father couldn’t be there to celebrate his daughter’s most momentous day as he passed away in a car accident close to nine years ago. But fortunately, she has the love and support of her father’s Fast and Furious co-stars and friends Vin Diesel and Ludacris who shared sweet exchanges with her on her birthday.

Just like the idea of family was fundamental in The Fast and the Furious movies, the same is true in the real life of Meadow Walker. On Instagram, Vin Diesel posted a photo of when the American model got married and posted the caption, “Happy birthday…Proud.” Ludacris couldn’t help but chime in on the birthday fun by wishing his co-star’s daughter a happy birthday too.

Vin Diesel and Meadow Walker will always have a special connection to each other through her father. They both take the time to share sweet messages about Walker and the years they spent together on the set of The Fast and the Furious movies. It’s easy to get choked up seeing how close-knit the two friends were. Ludacris also had moments of connecting with Meadow like their sweet exchange supporting the rapper/actor after it was announced he would receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2023 alongside Walker. Meadow is lucky to have great friends like these two by her side.

Paul Walker’s 23-year-old daughter is like a little piece of him. She’s been helping to keep her father’s legacy alive by her and her uncles being on set providing their own feedback. Another way she could do that in the future is by somehow appearing in a cameo for the two-part Fast X movie. Vin Diesel is all for Meadow joining Fast and Furious 10. Ludacris also shared his thoughts on Meadow joining the franchise, believing her “heart of gold” would be a perfect contribution to the drag racing film series finale.

As of recently, Meadow Walker has had a successful modeling career showing off her new sunglasses for Tiffany & Co’s new ad campaign. She also supports a number of organizations like the Paul Walker Foundation that strives to commit acts of goodwill to empower young people and the environment. Walker’s also the global ambassador of Pencils of Promise and the United Nations Population Fund. I’m sure her father is very proud of all of the work she’s accomplished and still keeping in contact with his on-set family.

Paul Walker’s daughter enjoyed a great birthday with kind words from her father’s Fast and Furious co-stars. It must be a comfort for her to know that she will never be short on love. Fast X will have its 2023 movie release on May 19th with part two planning to be released in February 2024.

It wouldn’t be unheard of for a Netflix movie with negative reception to be trending in the Top 10. Curiosity sometimes gets the best of streamers around the world. Queen Latifah and Ludacris’ new movie End of the Road is next on the Top 10 Netflix list in 80 countries, but the critics weren’t in favor of it and the audience reaction was even worse.

Starring musician-turned-actors Queen Latifah and Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, End of the Road is when a family road trip turns into a fight for their lives when they’re targeted by a mysterious killer. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the 2022 Netflix movie currently has a disappointing score of 32%. In a nutshell, critics felt like the script was very bland. For a movie that was supposed to keep you on the edge of your seat, there was hardly any tension. The audience score, however, was even lower than the critics’ with it currently being at 16%. Those watching at home felt like Queen Latifah and Ludacris could have done much better in this “predictable” movie where the characters make bad decisions right and left. Proves this movie’s many flaws were hard to overlook by audiences and critics.

Despite these low critical and audience scores, End of the Road is still hitting the Top Ten list in 80 countries. BRG says that based on Netflix’s global Top Ten data covering a 7-day period that ended on September 11th, End of the Road beat every English-language film to be Netflix’s #1 movie in the world right now. It garnered 30.2 million hours of viewing time with 29.5 million hours this week. This goes to show that audiences are still willing to take a chance on a movie despite the negative reception it’s gotten.

Netflix has a tendency of releasing movies that have gotten subpar reviews but still manage to trend their way to the top. For example, The Cat and the Hat landed on the Top Ten list this May despite having a harsh critical score of 9%. But, it seems that it didn’t stop families from wanting to rewatch this Mike Myers classic. Another Ludacris movie John Henry got a 0% score on Rotten Tomatoes, but audiences were still streaming it. Additionally, Coffee & Kareem also landed on the Netflix Top 10 despite receiving a rotten score of 22% at the time. Sometimes, audiences go into a movie knowing it may not be the best piece of entertainment in the world but are still willing to give it a try.

Even though End of the Road endured disappointing reviews, Queen Latifah and Ludacris still have plenty of ways to keep critics and audiences entertained. The Hustle actress is set to return to season three of CBS's The Equalizer premiering on October 2nd. Other than the upcoming Fast & Furious movies, Ludacris will be partaking in the newest Disney movie Dashing Through the Snow about a divorced social worker who learns about the joy and magic of Christmas. These two actors have plenty of projects to keep them afloat.

End of the Road is an example of a number of Netflix movies that didn’t sit well with critics and audiences, but Netflix streamers will still allow their curiosity to give in to sneak a little peek. If you’re still interested in giving this movie a chance, you can find End of the Road on your Netflix subscription. 

The road to the release of the upcoming movie Fast X has seen many of its stars showing off new and exciting developments on the internet. With production on the penultimate entry into the Fast Saga timeline in full swing, we’re seeing all sorts of cool behind the scenes looks at where Vin Diesel, Ludacris, and the rest of the family are going next. 

There’s still plenty of sweetness outside of those antics, as Diesel and Luda recently reunited with Meadow Walker, the daughter of late co-star Paul Walker. The occassion was the wedding of fellow co-star Jordana Brewster, as seen in the photo  on Instagram. Walker once again made time to celebrate her chosen family on social media, which led to exactly the caption you’d expect when involving the cast of that worldwide mega hit: 

Standing between the casually dressed Vin Diesel and the decked out Ludacris, also known as Chris Bridges, Meadow Walker looks stunning in a dark brown metallic dress. Truly looking like a family, it’s as if Meadow ran into her cool uncles at a family celebration. Which would be fitting, as Paul Walker was considered a spiritual brother to Diesel and most of the Fast cast; and that familial connection naturally extends to Meadow herself. 

Perhaps making all of this celebration even more adorable is the fact that this is very similar to the responses that came out of Meadow Walker’s own wedding late last year. Fast family is as Fast family does, as seen in Jordana Brewster’s sweet post honoring that event in a timely manner. There’s truly no love lost between the members who have continued to remain close in this tight knit sphere of performers. 

Of course, there doesn’t need to be a wedding to get Fast X’s on and off screen family to communicate. Earlier this year Meadow and Ludacris remembered the late Paul Walker, as they commemorated his upcoming star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, set to be unveiled next year. No matter the occasion, if there’s something to cheer about within the Fast Saga family, consider it celebrated properly.

Speaking of massive events, it’s the beginning of the end for Dominic Toretto and family, when Fast X debuts in theaters on May 19, 2023. Which means fans are going to want to reminisce about what’s come to pass previously on the road to Fast Saga revenge. Though getting through that journey isn't going to be easy.

As such, you can start your journey with F9, the most recent entry, as an HBO Max subscriber. However, you'll have to track down the various past films in order throughout both HBO Max and Peacock. Both of those platforms seem to have split the run of past adventures, and you won't want to miss any of the fun. 

As far as the acting side of Ludacris’ entertainment career goes, he’s primarily known for playing Tej Parker in the Fast & Furious movies, with 2023 marking the 20th anniversary of his debut as the character in 2 Fast 2 Furious. As it turns out, next year will also see Ludacris starring in a holiday movie being delivered to Disney+ subscribers, and he’ll be accompanied a newer Marvel Cinematic Universe star, one of the actors from Jordan Peele’s Get Out and more.

Teyonah Parris, who debuted as the adult Monica Rambeau in WandaVision, and Lil Rel Howery, who played Rod Williams in Get Out, will join Ludacris in Disney+’s Dashing Through The Snow. As reported by Deadline, this upcoming movie follows a divorced social worker for the Atlanta police department who hates Christmas because of something negative that happened to him as a child. However, while spending Christmas Eve with his daughter, the man is sent out on a call and inadvertently ends up angering a local politician, as well as meets a man who “helps him understand the joy and magic of Christmas.”

Dashing Through The Snow is being directed by Ride Along’s Tim Story, who will also executive produce with Johanna Byer, Ross Fanger and Zac Unterman. Will Packer and John Jacobs are also producing through their respective Will Packer Productions and Smart Entertainment banners. Scott Rosenberg, whose writing credits include the last two Jumanji movies and TV shows like Life on Mars and Zoo, penned the script, and the cast also includes Oscar Nunez, Gina Brillon, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Ravi Patel, Marcus Lewis and Madison Skye Validum. Dashing Through The Snow is currently filming in Atlanta and is expected to be released sometime in late 2023, likely during the holiday season.

Dashing Through The Snow will be the third of Disney+’s original Christmas-themed movies, following behind 2019’s Noelle and 2020’s Godmothered. Other Disney+ movies expected to drop next year, but none of which have specific release dates yet, include Chang Can Dunk, Young Woman and the Sea and Out of My Mind. On the Christmas front, Disney+ also has The Santa Clauses on the way, with the miniseries seeing Tim Allen’s Scott Calvin attempting to find someone to take over as Santa Claus for him.

At this point, it’s unclear if Ludacris or Lil Rel Howery is playing Dashing Through The Snow’s main protagonist, but in the former’s case, this will be his second time appearing in a Christmas-themed movie, the first being 2007’s Fred Claus. Before this holiday jaunt, Ludacris will reprise Tej Parker in Fast X, the penultimate entry in the main Fast & Furious film series, while Howery is appearing in The Out-Laws and Harold and the Purple Crayon. As for Teyonah Parris, she’ll reprise Monica Rambeau alongside Brie Larson’s Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel and Iman Vellani’s Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel in The Marvels, and is also starring with Jamie Foxx and John Boyega in the Netflix movie They Cloned Tyrone.

While we wait for updates on Dashing Through The Snow’s progress, look through the 2023 release schedule to learn what other movies are on track to arrive next year.

The Fast franchise has transformed into a force to be reckoned with, now having its tenth street racing film in production. Vin Diesel’s 2001 The Fast and The Furious has turned into one of the top film franchises in the world, but its monetary success is just one of the rewards for those involved with the franchise. The camaraderie formed between the cast and crew has long been thought of as a family, and long time Fast family member Ludacris opens up about landing a Hollywood star later this year, the same year as his departed Fast brother Paul Walker.

Paul Walker was the star of the Fast franchise for 6 films, even being digitally put into Fast 7 after his death in 2013. He was at the heart of the Fast family, and his legacy is one that has been kept alive through the franchise and his fellow cast members. As such, Walker is still very much a relevant figure in Hollywood even almost a decade after his passing.

Having been in a number of Fast films with Paul Walker, Ludacris was close to the star and still remains a part of his daughter Meadow Walker’s life. The rapper and actor will be honored with a Hollywood star the same year as Walker, and, in an exclusive interview with ET, Ludacris expresses just how much it means to him to be honored with his “brother”. Here it is in his own words:

Paul Walker obviously will not be able to physically be there to receive his award. but his family will make sure his presence is always known. As complementary and honorific as it is to be awarded a Hollywood Star of Fame, Ludacris makes sure to take some time to explain just what a great person his brother Walker was. In the same interview, here is what Ludacris says of his franchise brother:

Even though it’s been years and multiple movies since Paul Walker’s direct involvement with the Fast franchise, he has certainly touched each film with the inspiration that Ludacris spoke about. In fact, it’s a promise that Vin Diesel made to Walker that may have made the franchise last for so many movies. 

This is not the first time that an actor will be awarded a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame after their passing. However, Paul Walker’s legacy is one that has been certainly kept strong by the relationships he made when he was here, including that of his fellow honoree and Fast family member Ludacris. His star is one that has been well earned, and an achievement that keeps giving as the Fast franchise is not yet even complete.

The in production Fast X is the first part of the last chapter in the Fast franchise. While you won’t see the film on our schedule of 2022 new release films, there is a good possibility it will land on next year’s list of highly anticipated movie releases, as it is currently set to release on May 19th of 2023. We will probably not be seeing Paul Walker alongside Ludacris in the film, but we will certainly see his influence as well as a new star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame in the real world.

Paul Walker’s Fast & Furious and real-life families have remained close after the actor’s unexpected passing. Everyone has continued to honor Walker’s legacy, especially his daughter Meadow. Of course, her late father’s onscreen family and Fast & Furious producers have embraced her as they continued to be a part of her life, including her 2021 wedding. Recently, Meadow Walker had a sweet exchange with Fast 10’s Ludacris as they honored the late She’s All That actor.

Their sweet moment occurred after Ludacris got exciting news: he will receive a movie star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2023. But the cherry-on-top for him was being announced alongside his late Fast & Furious co-star. The rap legend took to his Instagram to celebrate the moment with a 2 Fast 2 Furious throwback photo featuring him and Paul Walker. Ludacris felt the coincidence was “heaven-sent.” Check out his sweet tribute below to see what the F9 actor had to say about the special moment.

Of course, the post yielded countless comments from fans, friends, and family alike. But one commenter stuck out the most as Walker took a moment to congratulate the entertainer’s newest achievement. She left him four stars in his comments, which caught Ludacris’s eye. He immediately responded with a crown emoji. This moment wasn’t the first time the rapper and Walker’s daughter have shared a family moment over social media. Seeing the loving exchange between the rapper and Walker’s offspring reminded fans that the late action star’s legacy is still going strong years after his death.

The bond between the model and the Fast & Furious cast and crew has only grown as they still champion her late father’s legacy. Walker’s Brian O’Connor remained omnipresent in the fast car franchise despite the actor’s tragic death. His daughter made sure his philanthropy lives on through the Paul Walker Foundation, which his co-stars actively take part in. While the elder Walker may no longer be physically here, the younger Walker keeps his presence alive off-screen for the franchise. His co-stars haven’t slacked either as they, especially Vin Diesel, have shared throwback photos and sweet tributes in the late Furious 7 actor’s memory.

Expect Brian O’Connor to be mentioned in Fast 10 as the franchise finale continues to film around the world. The cast continues to grow with the addition of Oscar winner Rita Moreno as the Toretto siblings' grandmother. Moviegoers have already gotten a peek into the final movie as the cast shared hanging-out moments from the set. They will have to wait to see the final product as Fast 10 will be released on May 19, 2023.

It is unclear when either Ludacris or Paul Walker will receive their star next year. Until then, you can check out the Fast saga by subscribing to Hulu to watch the first seven films and F9. You can get an Amazon Prime subscription to watch The Fate of the Furious.

For over two decades, audiences have continued to turn up in droves for the Fast & Furious franchise, and you better believe there’s more where that came from in the next couple of years. The Fast family is currently filming Fast X ahead of its planned theatrical release a year from now. As production continues, Ludacris has share a funny video with fans about how he and Tyrese Gibson are killing time in between scenes.

On massive films like Fast X, there’s likely a lot more waiting for the actors than actual acting. Therefore, why not get a hookah bar set up like Tyrese Gibson apparently did on set? Check out the Instagram video: 

Ludacris took to social media to share a video of himself showing Tyrese Gibson’s hookah setup, which he apparently was sat at between Fast X scenes. The rapper/actor said the break room add was a “first” and he couldn’t “make this shit up” before revealing Gibson next to a couple hookah sets in front of him. Gibson looked a tad embarrassed, nervously laughing, as Ludacris showcased what he was doing. In the comment section, Gibson said “Hahahahahahahaah you posted this lol” before reposting the video on his own account and teasing that the pair are “at it again.” 

Gibson said “this is not even mine” when Ludacris asked him what he “had to say for himself.” Maybe he’s joking and it's Ludacris’ own setup? Perhaps they set it up together? Who knows, but either way, it’s a funny behind the scenes moment for Fast X while we anticipate the upcoming 2022 movie. 

Fast X has been filming for a little over a month following a bump in the road when frequent Fast & Furious filmmaker Justin Lin left the project “due to creative differences.” He has since been replaced by Louis Leterrier, and the production is hitting the ground running. Tyrese Gibson looks set for a quality smoke break alongside Ludacris, who will respectively reprise their roles of Roman and Tej. This will also mark their seventh Fast movie each. 

Also among the Fast X cast is returning actors Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Nathalie Emmanuel, Sung Kang, Charlize Theron, Jordana Brewster and some new blood in Jason Momoa set to play the villain, The Suicide Squad’s Daniela Melchior, Captain Marvel’s Brie Larson and Jack Reacher star Alan Ritchson. This week, it was announced that West Side Story’s Rita Moreno would be playing Dom’s grandmother as well. 

We don’t know the plot of Fast X, but Tyrese Gibson has previously teased that the script is on some “other other shit,” so get strapped in for a wild ride. The movie will hit theaters on May 19, 2023 and will be followed by a second part in 2023 that will end the main Fast franchise. Stay tuned here for more behind-the-scenes looks on the making of the Fast movies. 

The franchise that’s been living its life a quarter mile at a time is winding down. While the Fast & Furious world will surely continue on through spinoffs in the years to come, the main saga starring Dominic Toretto and his crew is in the final leg of this 20-plus-year endurance race with what could be a trilogy set within the popular franchise. The first of these final movies saw some of the series’ most popular characters going up against one of best Fast & Furious villains in some time, while also setting up what’s to come with the Fast X ending.

From Vin Diesel’s Dominic Toretto to Jason Momoa’s over the top Dante Reyes and everyone in between, the Fast X cast was filled from top to bottom with unforgettable performances that fans of the series will be talking about for years to come. And if you’re trying to figure out where you’ve seen those familiar (and not-so-familiar) faces before, look no further, for we are about to break it all down now…  

Vin Diesel (Dominic Toretto) 

Vin Diesel’s Dominic Toretto has appeared in all the Fast & Furious movies except for 2 Fast 2 Furious, and has become the heart, soul, and face of the franchise in the years since we first met the dominant street racer and fearless hero. And that remains the same in Fast X, which saw Dom face one of his toughest enemies yet, one who wouldn’t back down no matter what.

Though Diesel is most associated with the Fast & Furious movies, the badass action star has had an incredibly varied career, including dramas like Multi-Facial,Strays, and Saving Private Ryan, some of the best Marvel movies with his portrayal of Groot, the Riddick franchise, and the xXx action series, to name only a few.

Jason Momoa (Dante Reyes) 

Dante Reyes, the son of Hernan Reyes, Fast Five’s main antagonist, is honestly one of the best things to happen to the Fast & Furious franchise in a long time, and that’s thanks to Jason Momoa’s outlandish and incredibly violent portrayal of the villain.

Momoa, who first found success on shows like Baywatch: Hawaii and Stargate Atlantis, reached new heights in 2011 with his portrayal of Khal Drogo on Game Of Thrones. Since then, the actor has given incredible performances in the DCEU, Dune, and Sweet Girl, with even more on the way, like the upcoming Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. 

 Michelle Rodriguez (Letty Ortiz)

Michelle Rodriguez has also been part of the Fast & Furious franchise since the beginning, although it wasn’t until Fast & Furious 6 that she started taking a more central role in these movies. And in Fast X, Letty had one of her biggest stories yet, especially when it came to her time with Charlize Theron’s Cipher.

Over the course of the past few decades, Rodriguez has become one of the most badass action stars on the planet, with unforgettable roles in everything from the Resident Evil franchise to Avatar to the 2023 fantasy adventure film, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. 

Tyrese Gibson (Roman Pearce)

Introduced as Brian O’Connor’s childhood best friend in 2 Fast 2 Furious, Tyrese Gibson’s Roman Pearce has been a major part of the franchise since Fast Five, including a hilarious and intense performance in Fast X.

Outside of the Fast-verse, Gibson has landed roles in movies like Baby Boy, Four Brothers, The System, and Morbius. And if that wasn’t enough, Gibson also continues to have a successful music career, with an upcoming, Beautiful Pain, being released at some point in the near future, per Vibe. 

Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges (Tej Parker) 

Chris “Ludacris” Bridges’ Tej Parker also debuted in 2 Fast 2 Furious, hosting the street races Brian O’Connor drove in and later helping out him and Roman Pearce in their mission. Since then, he’s become a major part of the Toretto crew.

Though the rapper-turned-actor hasn’t released a full studio album since 2015’s Ludaversal, he’s remained quite busy with movies like John Henry, End of the Road, and several others. He even hosted his own reality series, Luda Can’t Cook, in 2022, which the three-time Grammy winner followed up with an appearance on Top Chef.

Nathalie Emmanuel (Ramsey)

Introduced in Furious 7, Nathalie Emmanuel’s Ramsey is undoubtedly the tech-guru of the crew, and she put her skills to work in Fast X.

Though she was already established by the time she joined the Game of Thrones cast during the show’s third season, Emmanuel will always be remembered for her turn as Missandei during the major of the HBO fantasy series’ run. Since then, Emmanuel has appeared in movies like Army of Thieves and The Invitation, as well as shows like Four Weddings and a Funeral and The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.

Sung Kang (Han Lue)

A few years after he returned to the franchise in F9: The Fast Saga, Sung Kang is back once more as Han Lue in Fast X, in which he finds himself on quite a wild trip around the world. 

In addition to his multiple appearances in some of the best Fast & Furious movies, Kang has appeared in movies like We Can Be Heroes, Raya and the Last Dragon, and Snakehead the past few years. And fans of the Disney+ original series Obi-Wan Kenobi probably recognize him from his portrayal of The Fifth Brother during the 2022 miniseries.

Charlize Theron (Cipher)

If anyone deserves the honor of being the main Fast & Furious film series’ chief antagonist, it’s Charlize Theron’s Cipher. Although, in Fast X, the dangerous cyberterrorist who orchestrated much of the events in every movie since the franchise’s sixth installment finds herself in a much different situation.

One of the most well-known members of the Fast X cast, the actress has done a little bit of everything over the years, including win an Academy Award for her performance in Monster, dominated in one of the best action movies of all time with Mad Max: Fury Road, and give brief yet unforgettable portrayals in the 2009 post-apocalyptic film, The Road.

Jordana Brewster (Mia Toretto)

Like Vin Diesel and Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster goes back to Fast & Furious’ beginnings too, although Mia Toretto didn’t get nearly as much to do, action-wise, in those earlier appearances compared to Dom (her brother) and Brian (her love interest). And while she was only in Fast X for a few scenes, she’s still a key member of the Toretto crew.

Outside of the high-octane film franchise, Brewster has appeared on shows like Lethal Weapon, Magnum P.I., and The Rookie: Feds over the course of the past half-decade, as well as movies like Simulant and The Integrity of Joseph Chambers. 

John Cena (Jakob Toretto)

We had no idea that John Cena’s Jakob Toretto existed until F9, as it was revealed in the movie that Dom blamed his younger brother for the death of their father and forced him to leave town. By the time Fast X comes around, the brothers have since reconciled.

Cena, one of the most prolific wrestlers-turned-actors in recent memory, has been all over the place the past half-decade with great performances in everything from Bumblebee to The Suicide Squad, and several family-friendly comedies in between.   

Jason Statham (Deckard Shaw)

Deckard Shaw started out as a villain in the Fast & Furious franchise, having targeted Han and the rest of Dominic Toretto’s crew to exact revenge for what they did to his brother, Owen Shaw. But over the years, Shaw has become one of the franchise’s best anti-heroes and he even had a strange run-in about his past in the F9 mid-credits scene with Han Lue.

Throughout his career, Statham has led movies like Snatch, the Transporter franchise, The Italian Job, The Meg, and The Expendables, both of which have highly-anticipated sequels on the way. 

Helen Mirren (Magdalene ‘Queenie’ Ellmanson-Shaw)

Deckard wasn’t the only member of the Shaw family around in Fast X, as Helen Mirren was back as Magdalene “Queenie” Shaw. 

A living legend of the acting world, Mirren’s career can only be matched by one other name on this list (but we’ll get to them soon). From award-winning depictions of the late Queen Elizabeth II to wonderful plot-twisty thrillers like The Good Liar, and countless other movies, shows, and stage productions before, during, and since, there’s not much Mirren can’t do. 

Leo Abelo Perry (Brian ‘Little B’ Marcos)

Although Leo Abelo Perry is a newcomer to the Fast & Furious franchise, his character is not. Perry takes over as Brian Marcos, Dominic Toretto’s son with Elena Neves. 

Throughout his career, which only goes back a couple of years, Perry has popped up on shows like Black-ish and movies like Cheaper by the Dozen.

Scott Eastwood (Little Nobody)

In The Fate of the Furious, Kurt Russell’s Mr. Nobody was accompanied by a government agent who received the nickname Little Nobody. This agent was played by Scott Eastwood, and after sitting out the events of F9, he’s back for Fast X. 

The son of Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood, the actor has made a name for himself the past decade or so with appearances in Fury, The Longest Ride, Wrath of Man, and I Want You Back.

Daniela Melchior (Isabel Neves)

Two years after Daniel Melchior captured the hearts (and attention) of comic book fans around the world with her portrayal of Cleo Caro, a.k.a., Ratcatcher 2, in The Suicide Squad, the Portuguese actress landed a brief yet pivotal role in Fast X as Isabel Neves.

Fast X was the second of two major blockbusters to feature Melchior in May 2023, as she also briefly appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 earlier in the month.  

Brie Larson (Tess)

Brie Larson became another MCU actor to land a role in the Fast & Furious franchise with her portrayal of Tess, the daughter of the still missing (or dead) Mr. Nobody. 

Mostly recognized for her portrayal of Carol Danvers in the Captain Marvel movies, Larson has done a little bit of everything over the course of the past decade-and-a-half. This includes tremendous performances in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, 21 Jump Street, Room (which earned her an Oscar), Kong: Skull Island, and countless others. 

Alan Ritchson (Aimes)

We had another DC actor who came along for the Fast X ride, as Alan Ritchson popped up in the movie as Aimes, the man who stepped in and took over for Mr. Nobody.   

A lot of you may be more familiar with Ritchson for playing the latest incarnation of Jack Reacher for the popular Amazon Prime Video series Reacher. Either way, Fast X gives Ritchson another action-related credit to add to his resume. 

Rita Moreno (Abuelita Toretto) 

 The Fast & Furious franchise is all about family, blood or otherwise. In the former category, another member of the Toretto clan was introduced: Dom, Mia and Jakob’s grandmother, played by Rita Moreno, an alumnus from both film versions of West Side Story.

The talented and beloved EGOT winner has had one of the most successful and prolific careers in show business with unforgettable roles in Singin’ in the Rain, Carnal Knowledge, Slums of Beverly Hills, and countless others. Hell, she even gave an incredible performance on HBO’s gritty prison drama, Oz.

Well, that catches us up with the Fast X cast and some of the places we’ve seen them before. And while we don’t yet know who we’ll be seeing return for the upcoming Fast & Furious 11, there are plenty of 2023 movies to hold us over while we wait for more information. 

Is this the end of the road? After over twenty years of Fast and the Furious films, the franchise is getting ready to cap off the blockbuster series with the tenth installment (which will be split up in two parts) from the main series starring Vin Diesel and Michelle Rodriguez, among other huge stars. As the upcoming action film gets ready to begin production, cast member Tyrese Gibson has an exciting update. 

Tyrese Gibson joined the Fast family back in 2003 as Roman Pearce in 2 Fast 2 Furious, and the actor has since starred in five other movies from the franchise: Fast Five, Fast & Furious 6, Furious 7, The Fate of the Furious and 2021’s most recent installment, F9: The Fast Saga. Just ahead of returning for the tenth film, he shared this on Instagram: 

With a photo of himself next to Vin Diesel and Ludacris, Tyrese Gibson said that he just finished reading the F10 script and “we are officially on some other other shit.” While that could mean a host of things for the Fast and the Furious franchise, the best thing we can draw from that comment is the series is going to continue to go big and get weird with it. 

One fan, @spifftv, inferred that perhaps the Fast movie will include time travel, whereas other people guessed everything from flying to mars, crossing over with the Transformers, going to Heaven or making a cameo in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Hey, the sky's the limit! Who knows how the franchise will proceed? It has had to up the stakes for ten movies now. 

We don’t know the plot of the upcoming Fast and Furious movies at this time, but we did recently learn that Aquaman’s Jason Momoa is set to play the bad guy, and The Suicide Squad breakout star Daniela Melchior has also joined the Fast family. We also expect Michelle Rodriguez, Sung Kang and Nathalie Emmanuel to be part of the film alongside Tyrese Gibson, Vin Diesel, Ludacris and more returning stars. 

It’s also fair to say Jason Statham’s Deckard Shaw, John Cena’s Jakob Toretto and Charlize Theron’s Cipher could also reprise their Fast roles too. Justin Lin will direct after helming F9 along with the 2009, 2011 and 2013 installments, and initially coming aboard for 2006’s Tokyo Drift. Unfortunately, Dwayne Johnson’s Luke Hobbs is not expected to return to the main franchise per a statement from the Rock himself. Vin Diesel has publicly asked Johnson to “show up” for the Fast family in the tenth movie, but we’ll have to wait and see. 

Fast & Furious 10 was initially set to come out in April 2023, but in December, the release date was pushed back to May 19, 2023. Until then, we’ll await more updates on production from the cast and crew. 

Besides being a wrestling icon and one of Hollywood’s most famous movie stars, Dwayne Johnson has also built a large social media following, particularly on Instagram. Head over to The Rock’s account, and among the content you’ll see are promotions of his other business ventures, fun encounters with fans and, of particular excitement to the foodies out there, glimpses of his memorable cheat meals. Regarding that latter category, Ludacris, his former Fast & Furious co-star, inquired earlier this week about something unusual compared to Johnson’s other cheat meal-related posts.

One day a week, Dwayne Johnson “cheats” by preparing a meal that does not in any way benefit his health or fitness goals; as long as it sounds appetizing to him, it’s fair game. Earlier this week, Johnson showed that his cheat meal was some delicious-looking French toast, but weirdly, he shared this on a Monday, despite Sundays usually being his cheat meal day. This prompted Ludacris to write the following in the Instagram post’s comments section:

What’s going on here? Did something happen with Dwayne Johnson’s schedule that forced his to push his cheat meal to Monday? Has Monday become his new cheat meal day? Or was he simply late in sharing the look at the French toast? Johnson didn’t provide any clarification to Ludacris, so for any other interested parties, keep an eye out on Sunday to see if Johnson’s cheat meals will be back to their regularly scheduled slot. Whatever the case, at least we know The Rock was delighted to chow down on that delectable meal.

Dwayne Johnson and Ludacris’ professional paths first crossed on Fast Five, which saw Johnson’s character, Luke Hobbs, being directed by Diplomatic Security Service to bring in Dominic Toretto and his crew, including Ludacris’ Tej Parker, who’d previously appeared in 2 Fast 2 Furious. By the end of the movie, though, Hobbs was on better terms with the main protagonists, and when Fast & Furious 6, he officially allied with them for the first time. Johnson returned for Furious 7 and The Fate of the Furious, but since he’s made it clear he won’t be appearing in any of the remaining main Fast & Furious movies, unless Ludacris hops over to Hobbs & Shaw 2, it’s doubtful we’ll see these two together in this franchise again.

Ludacris, on the other hand, looks like he’ll be sticking around the main Fast saga until the end. Last year’s F9 saw Tej Parker and Tyrese Gibson’s Roman Pearce heading out into space as part of the latest round of physics-defying world-saving events, and they’re both expected to return alongside Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Sung Kang and Nathalie Emmanuel’s respective characters. As for Dwayne Johnson, along with Hobbs & Shaw 2 (which is a ways off), he’s set to finally make his debut as Black Adam this October, and is also on deck for a Jungle Cruise sequel and two more Red Notice movies.

Fast & Furious 10 will race into theaters on May 19, 2023. While we wait for more news on that movie and what Dwayne Johnson’s cheat meal will be, the upcoming 2022 movies lineup is available for you to plan what you’ll carve out time to watch later this year.

Over two decades, the Fast and Furious franchise has seen its share of big stars come and go. At one point, Vin Diesel’s Dom disappeared for two sequels before reemerging in 2009’s Fast and Furious. But as the film series starts to wind down, there appeared to be a call out for some former stars to return for the final installments. It seemed like one star is willing to back for Fast 10 and 11, but he didn’t get an invite. Now, he’s blaming F9’s Ludacris for the lack of an invite.

Some fans might’ve forgotten that The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window’s Michael Ealy starred in 2003’s 2 Fast 2 Furious. He played street racer Slap Jack in the sequel as part of Tej Parker (played Ludacris)’s street racing team. While Ludacris continued with the franchise, Ealy just appeared in one film. Despite not being seen in over two decades, the actor is down for a Fast and Furious return. The Fast and Furious alum revealed to ScreenRant where Slap Jack would be at right now.

Ealy might be onto something as Ludacris remained a staple in the Fast and Furious world. He might’ve seen Michael Ealy as competition leading to Ealy not returning. Of course, his character Tej disappeared after the Fast and Furious sequel until he resurfaced in Fast Five. So, Slap Jack might’ve been an afterthought at that point.

Though his role was minor in 2 Fast 2 Furious, it would be nice to see him pop up again in the final films. As Ealy mentioned, it would be nice to see where Slap Jack’s life has progressed since the film. Seeing Michael Ealy reunite with Ludacris and Tyrese Gibson would serve as a nice full-circle moment for fans of the sequel. It could also serve as a wonderful tribute to Paul Walker as he shared countless scenes with Tej and Slap Jack. But Ludacris has been tight-lipped about the finale as he called Fast and Furious 10 “top secret.”

While Michael Ealy may not be back for the final installments, the Fast and Furious recently got a new addition as Gibson welcomed Jason Momoa into the Fast and Furious family. Momoa’s addition came on the heels of Vin Diesel making an emotional appeal to his “little brother” The Rock to return. In response, The Rock opened up about his departure from the franchise and his feud with Diesel. So, Ealy might have a chance to resurface after all.

Of course, fans will have to wait until Fast and Furious 10 arrives on May 10, 2023, after an unexpected delay. In the meantime, look over our list of upcoming releases to see what over films might’ve been delayed.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has had a bumpy relationship with the Fast & Furious franchise, to say the least. That doesn’t mean the Red Notice star hasn’t been supportive of his former cast-mates, though. Fellow franchise star Ludacris got to witness this firsthand, as Johnson showered some love on the rapper’s new Netflix series. And the shout-out subsequently led to a sweet exchange between the former co-stars.

The Jungle Cruise star took to his Instagram to highlight the animated series, Karma’s World. The Rock gushed over the show after his daughter convinced him to stay up late on a Saturday night to watch it. Dwayne Johnson has proven to be a generous guy, and his praise was certainly sweet this time around:

Having worked with the rapper-actor on multiple Fast and Furious films, it seems the two stars have forged a tight bond, and the actor also seems to know just how personal the project is to his colleague. The series was inspired by Ludacris’ oldest daughter Karma and music education, and it centers on a young girl who solves problems using her musical abilities. Given the initial message, it's no surprise that the Fate of the Furious alum had some equally kind words for his friend after he got wind of The Rock’s post:

You can't help but love these kind of celebrity moments, and it's just comforting to know that the friendship they formed has remained intact. The Rampage star also spoke on the importance of representation while watching Karma’s World with his daughter. Check out his seal of appeal on the Netflix animated series below:

But as mentioned, the same can’t be said about his relationship with Fast and Furious honcho Vin Diesel. The feud between the former co-stars has been well-documented. Of course, it started when the Skyscraper star called out Diesel over some alleged behavior on The Fate of the Furious. Both actors downplayed the exchange and moved on, but Diesel would later refer to the episode as "tough love" on his part. The Riddick star then begged Dwayne Johnson to return for the installments, to which Johnson declined once again.

On a brighter note, Ludacris' Tej Parker is sure to be up to some cool things in the final two films of the main FF series. (It's going to be hard to top that space trip from F9, though.) It sounds like production is "top secret" at the moment, but he seems excited. And that may be partly due to the fact that the proposed Jurassic Park crossover isn't coming to fruition. But while we wait for more specific updates on that front, let's take a page out of his and The Rock's book and check out Karma's World on Netflix.

The Fast and Furious movies are all about family, but of its two biggest stars, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Vin Diesel,  have been estranged for years with a history of beef and back and forths. Recently in an interview, The Rock addressed his feud with Vin Diesel and the day that caused a firestorm between the two, shedding some light on his side of the events that have caused him not to return to work on the main Fast movies. The pair are both massive stars with egos, and after all these years, it hasn't fully been squashed. As a result, their co-stars are left in the middle of it. Fast and Furious star Ludacris gave an honest response when asked about Diesel and The Rock’s differences. 

While speaking to US Weekly, Ludacris addressed the burning question about The Rock and Vin Diesel’s relationship and the constant tension between the two. Ludacris has been along for the Fast and Furious ride for more than a decade, and has knowledge of the situation firsthand, and gives his honest take on everything, saying:

Ludacris gives his honest opinion, and it’s really the only logical one to have. The Rock and Vin Diesel can deal with whatever problems they have with each other if they ever want to, and getting in the middle of it isn’t something Ludacris is interested in. The situation is a delicate one, and after Johnson’s recent comments, it does seem like he has accepted the feud for what it is while still throwing shade at Diesel and his behavior towards him.  

Ludacris returned to the Fast franchise when The Rock’s Hobbs was introduced in Fast Five. The movie that would set the franchise on its path that would see each successive film get bigger and bigger with more and more blockbusting action. Unfortunately, beef has gotten in the way of The Rock being in the main franchise, as it doesn’t look like there is any way we see him in the final two movies of the main saga. 

The Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson duo may be finished, but the best pair from the franchise is still intact in the form of Ludacris and Tyrese Gibson’s Roman and Tej, who have big ideas for where Fast 10 should go. The director’s cut of Fast 9 features even more jokes from Roman and Tej and even more ridiculous action to add to the already intense set-pieces. 

Ludacris has addressed rumors of Meadow Walker, the daughter of the late Paul Walker,  appearing in Fast 10, and has talked about the top-secret filming for the next Fast film. Hopefully, the drama will be minimal, and fans get the final two Fast movies without any more stars beefing. 

From the moment the Fast & Furious franchise launched in 2001 up until 2015’s Furious 7, Paul Walker’s Brian O’Connor was one of its most integral characters, appearing in every entry except for Tokyo Drift. Sadly, Walker died in November 2013, in the middle of Furious 7’s shoot, but his daughter, Meadow Walker, maintains close ties with various actors from the franchise. Now Ludacris, one of those actors, has chimed in on if Meadow Walker should join the final two installments of the main film series, i.e. Fast & Furious 10 and Fast & Furious 11.

If you assumed that Ludacris would absolutely want Meadow Walker to appear in the primary Fast & Furious saga before it wraps up, you were correct. The actor who’s been playing Tej Parker since 2 Fast 2 Furious said this to ET:

Ludacris isn’t the only member of the core Fast & Furious cast who’s game for Meadow Walker to come in. Jordana Brewster expressed interest in that happening earlier this year, and while Vin Diesel didn’t provide a direct answer when the topic came up in a separate interview, he did coyly smile. Since Diesel is one of the Fast & Furious producers, he certainly has a say in deciding whether Meadow is brought aboard or not. Going off his reaction from June, it sounds like he’s at least considering the possibility, if not already has something in the works.

Given those “genetics” Ludacris mentioned, one wouldn’t be faulted for thinking that Meadow Walker could join Fast & Furious 10 and/or 11 as Brian O’Connor and Mia Toretto’s daughter. However, Meadow was born in 1998, three years before The Fast and the Furious came out, while Brian and Mia’s daughter hadn’t been born yet when we learned of her existence in Furious 7. So unless there’s a massive time jump coming, don’t expect Meadow to fill that particular role. Instead, maybe she could play someone like a distant cousin from the O’Connor or Toretto clan.

While Brian O’Connor is still alive within the Fast & Furious universe, it would be nice to have a Walker involved on camera before this saga concludes. It’s worth noting that in 2018, Paul Walker’s brothers Cody and Caleb, who stepped in to help finish Paul’s scenes in Furious 7, said that they were interested in appearing in another Fast & Furious movie. Should those two be brought back, that would allow audiences to see Brian once last time thanks to the wonders of digital wizardry.

F9 is now available on home media, and Fast & Furious 10 is slated to arrive on June 7, 2023. Keep track of the movies on track to come out in the near future with the 2021 release schedule and 2022 release schedule.

It took longer than expected to finally return to the Fast & Furious franchise, but in late June, four years after The Fate of the Furious and two years after the Hobbs & Shaw spinoff, F9 finally arrived. Moviegoers watched Dominic Toretto and his crew embark on another physics-breaking adventure, and naturally Ludacris’ Tej Parker was around for the car-centric fun. Now it’s time to focus on Fast & Furious 10’s development, and Ludacris has shared just how secretive the production already is.

While we’ve know that Fast & Furious 10 has been coming for years, now that F9 has had its theatrical run and is available on home media, now the next phase of putting its follow-up together has begun. Though that’s not to say that Ludacris is being kept in the loop on what’s happening. When asked about what’s happening with Fast & Furious 10, he responded:

With the way the Fast & Furious franchise has evolved from a series of films revolving around street races and heists to explosive adventures where its protagonists regularly save the world, I don’t blame the bigwigs at Universal Pictures for wanting to keep things close to the vest, even from its stars. Fast & Furious is now one of Hollywood’s most lucrative film franchises, so it stands to reason that spoilers about how each future installment is coming along are highly valued. As such, don’t expect Ludacris to get caught up to speed on what Fast & Furious 10 holds in store until shortly before filming begins.

Speaking of Fast & Furious 10’s production, a specific start date hasn’t been announced yet, and here’s what Ludacris had to say about that during his interview with Distractify:

Summer 2023 would have been a good guess, but Ludacris said the above statement before Universal announced that Fast & Furious 10 will race into theaters on April 7, 2023. Assuming that plan sticks, this will be the fourth movie in the franchise to score an April release, following 2009’s Fast & Furious, 2011’s Fast Five and 2017’s The Fate of the Furious. And considering that F9 began filming in June 2019 in order to be ready for its pre-COVID May 2020 release, I suspect that Fast & Furious 10 will start rolling cameras sometime in spring 2022 so there’s enough time to stitch everything together.

While Ludacris will obviously be accompanied by familiar faces like Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and Tyrese Gibson in Fast & Furious 10, we’ll have to keep waiting to learn what these characters will be facing in their next movie. That said, Fast & Furious 10 will be the penultimate installment in the main film series, so we’re starting to approach the end of this creative road. Keep checking back with CinemaBlend for more updates on what’s happening in the Fast & Furious world.

The Fast family returns in the latest adrenaline-charged installment with a never-before-seen Director’s Cut of F9. Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is releasing F9 on Digital September 7, 2021, featuring both the theatrical cut and extended Director’s Cut. Fast Saga fans whose favorite characters are Roman and Tej are in luck because the Director’s Cut has additional moments with these characters played by Tyrese and Ludacris.

Ludacris and Tyrese have always been two of my favorite members of The Fast Saga. Ludacris’s Tej being our tech genius and voice of reason while Tyrese’s Roman is often the comic relief and the realist stating “we’re going to die” are an unlikely pair of friends that work so well together. I couldn’t imagine the franchise without them. Check out the clip below from Justin Lin’s Director’s Cut where the two find a vault full of cash.

I just love these two together! Tyrese has a smile that lights up the room. It’s impossible to see that guy happy without getting excited along with him. Ludacris has the best comedic and dramatic timing and someone needs to cast this man in some more roles, stat. Additional footage is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to F9’s home release.

There’s so much more where that came from with Justin Lin back in the director’s chair (Lin also helmed the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth installments of the series). The producer, co-writer, and director provides a feature commentary on both the theatrical and Director’s cuts. With the purchase of F9, fans will also get more than an hour of exclusive bonus content featuring a behind-the-scenes look at the gravity-defying stunts and nitro-charged cars, a gag reel, and even more justice for Han (played by Sung Kang).

Additional F9 bonus features on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital include F9: All In where the cast and crew provide an intimate look at how F9 propels this epic franchise to even greater heights, Practically Fast which goes behind the scenes with Justin Lin and his team as they shoot as many stuns as they can in-camera and practically, and so much more. Aspiring directors and film fans will enjoy A Day On Set with Justin Lin, a featurette following Lin for a day providing an inside look at the demanding job of a movie producer.

Shifting Priorities is a bonus feature that takes us through the evolution of the characters over 20+ years as well as the actors that portray them. Speaking of characters, F9 introduced fans to Dom’s brother Jakob, played by John Cena, and the home release includes a featurette titled John Cena: Supercar Superfan, as well. Cena is a real-life car expert and this content is a true fan’s look at some of the rarest and most expensive automobiles in the world. 

The blockbuster film F9 has generated more than $600 million worldwide and now fans can own the global box-office phenomenon on Digital September 7, 2021, and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on September 21, 2021, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Keep an eye on CinemaBlend’s 2021 DVD release calendar for when you can own all of your favorite films.

Having one of the biggest hits of 2021, Ludacris could rest on his laurels and wait on Fast 10 and 11 to start production. Instead, the rapper-actor was filming another movie. His F9 follow-up recently wrapped up production, and of course, he went online to celebrate it. To celebrate the occasion, Ludacris decided to share a touching moment with his co-star Queen Latifah.

The F9 star took to his Instagram to announce production wrapping on his follow-up to the box office hit. Ludacris couldn’t help but gush over acting alongside The Equalizer’s Queen Latifah. The Fast and Furious star said about the chance to work with the screen and music legend:

As evident from Ludacris’ caption, he was more than excited to work with Queen Latifah. Given both actors’ hip-hop backgrounds, it only seemed a matter of time before Ludacris and Queen Latifah would work together. Compared to the Fast and Furious franchise, End of the Road appears to fall into the category of small indie films. As the actor pointed out, it was a huge moment in his acting career to work with the Oscar-nominated actress.

Ludacris’ sweet words to Queen Latifah aren’t without merit. Queen Latifah’s transition from a hip-hop superstar to a full-fledged Hollywood icon has served as a blueprint for many rappers after her. The actress has managed to keep her career stable as she hopped back and forth between film and television. Said career has reaped the acclaim and accolades many upcoming musicians can pattern themselves after. She along with Ice-T, LL Cool J, Ice Cube and Will Smith proved Hollywood and hip-hop could merge without sacrificing one for the other. But Queen Latifah wasn’t the only one Ludacris chose to shout out.

After thanking the Oscar nominee, Ludacris dedicated the rest of his post to highlight the cast and crew of the Netflix thriller for making the shot amazing. To see the special moment captured between the actor and Queen Latifah, check out his touching post below:

Starring in End of the Road seems like a terrific way for Ludacris to continue pushing his acting career past the Fast and Furious franchise. Doing that along with Queen Latifah is just the cherry on top for hip-hop culture. This could be a huge moment, seeing them share the screen for the first time. Hopefully, the Netflix thriller will be worth the wait when it is released on the streamer.

Until the film is released, you can still catch the actors in their current projects. You can watch Ludacris in F9 on VOD and in theaters while Queen Latifah headlines The Equalizer Sundays on CBS with Season 2 premiering in October.

Seeing Brian O’Conner indirectly appear F9 is still a surreal moment for some fans. Paul Walker’s death pushed the Fast and Furious franchise to pivot in his absence, but his death didn’t end his affiliation with the movies as his family stepped up. So the F9 cast spoke on how Meadow Walker is keeping her father’s legacy alive in the blockbuster franchise.

Paul Walker’s death didn’t stop his Fast and Furious family from leaving behind his character within the universe. Regarding Walker’s legacy, Ludacris voiced the cast’s love for the late actor. The F9 star said the following about Walker still being a presence within the film franchise:

Hearing Ludacris speak on his late co-star drove home how significant Paul Walker was to the Fast and Furious franchise. Years after his passing, Walker’s fellow actors are still feeling the effects, as evident by their ongoing tributes and throwback stories. So allowing his family to consult on the films is a testament to the close bond everyone shares. For Walker’s co-stars, his daughter has seemingly become their daughter.

While Ludacris gave Paul Walker’s daughter and brothers their props, the conversation eventually turned to Brian and Mia’s relationship within the franchise. SiriusXM Stars asked co-star Jordana Brewster about her expanding role after Walker’s death. To see the F9 co-stars’ full responses, check out the interview below:

The interview revealed just how close Paul Walker and his co-stars were (and continued to be). Incorporating his family into the fold is a genuine and heartfelt move from Vin Diesel and everyone involved. But this isn’t the first time Meadow Walker’s contribution has been highlighted.

Jordana Brewster was asked a few weeks ago if Meadow Walker would join the Fast and Furious franchise. She seemed fond of the idea, even advocating for the model to join the franchise. Even Vin Diesel backed Paul Walker’s daughter joining Fast and Furious 10 with an ominous response. The younger Walker also promoted the latest Fast installment, along with sharing throwback moments with the cast. So Meadow Walker becoming a part of the next film would be a nice tribute to her father’s legacy.

With Fast and Furious 10 already in motion, fans will have to wait until the film arrives to see if Meadow Walker pops up. In the meantime, you can watch F9 in theaters right now.

Now that F9 is playing in theaters, there are only two movies left to look forward to within the main Fast & Furious film series. However, the franchise as a whole will keep going with spinoffs like Hobbs & Shaw 2, and in recent weeks, there’s even been talk about the potential of mashing Fast & Furious with fellow Universal Pictures property Jurassic World. Tyrese Gibson, a.k.a. Roman Pearce in the Fast & Furious universe, is game for such a crossover, and now Ludacris, who plays Tej Parker, has shared his thoughts on the idea.

Just to be clear, Universal Pictures has in no way said it’s exploring bringing the Fast & Furious and Jurassic World franchises together, let alone greenlit the project. And from Ludacris’ perspective, that’s for the best, as he doesn’t find this crossover appealing. As the actor said to guest host Wanda Sykes on Jimmy Kimmel Live!:

The Fast & Furious franchise has certainly become increasingly ridiculous over the last decade, most recently exemplified with Idris Elba’s Brixton being a cybernetically-enhanced super soldier in Hobbs & Shaw, and F9 seeing Roman and Tej blasting off into space. It’s a far cry from the days when these movies were focused on street racing and small-time heists, but even with the laws of physics being continually ignored in the Fast & Furious world nowadays, it’s still a big leap to bring dinosaurs into the equation. Evidently count Ludacris among the people who’s not interested in seeing this happen.

Honestly, it’s fitting that Ludacris disagrees with Tyrese Gibson about the prospect of a Fast & Furious and Jurassic World crossover considering how much grief Tej gives Roman over his ideas in the Fast & Furious movies. But while the logistics of bringing these franchises together would be all kinds of strange (no doubt involving a portal between realities), it’s reasonable to assume the crossover would make a lot of money given how commercially well Fast & Furious and Jurassic World perform on their own. Narrative sense be damned, I see this blockbuster easily surpassing $1 billion and maybe even hitting $2 billion.

For now though, Fast & Furious and Jurassic World will remain separate, but at least fans of both franchises will be able to watch new installments in the coming years. Jurassic World: Dominion opens in theaters on June 10, 2022, and while Fast & Furious 10 Part 1 and Part 2 don’t have release dates yet, the back-to-back productions are expected to begin in January 2022.

F9 is blazing through theaters, winning the Fourth of July weekend as the box office hits a massive milestone. The power of family has not only kept the franchise going, but it also has spawned one of the funniest recent viral memes featuring the Fast & Furious patriarch himself, Vin Diesel. Now, in the midst of the hype, the fan-favorite duo of Ludacris and Tyrese Gibson have thanked the fans after F9’s milestone at the box office.

Tyrese Gibson’s Roman and Ludacris’ Tej were both introduced in 2 Fast 2 Furious and have been integral parts of the Fast family ever since. The duo has developed comedic chemistry, which ultimately led to some of the funniest moments in F9. After the movie hit the $500 million mark at the box office, Ludacris was the first of the two to take to Instagram to thank the fans:

Ludacris' excitement is more than understandable. It’s a huge accomplishment for both international and domestic box office, proving that the movie-going experience can still generate tons of money even amidst a slowly reopening public. It's safe to say that Fast fans will continue to support the franchise until Universal stops making the movies, which may or may not happen at this point. While Ludacris' sentiments were nice enough, Tyrese Gibson's comment on the post was also sweet:

Having been members of the storied franchise for so long, Ludacris and Tyrese Gibson are more than aware of the effect its had on the world. For instance, Ludacris recently had the best response after the Department of Transportation nodded at The Fast & Furious for a viral road warning sign. All in all, both actors are clearly super invested in the franchise and, at this point, they even have ideas about where the Fast series should go next.

Aside from the box office, Ludacris and Tyrese Gibson hit a major milestone within F9 itself, as their characters became the first of the Fast family to go to space. The pair exited Earth’s atmosphere in a Pontiac Fiero with a rocket attached to the back. Director Justin Lin actually wanted to do the stunt practically and, while he ultimately couldn’t, the scene was no less amazing for it. There's plenty for the Roman and Tej duo to do next, but it’s going to be hard to top their space trip.

Despite the sheer popularity of the franchise, the end does seem near for the film series. F9 sets up the endgame for the franchise, and it raises a ton of questions about what’s next. One thing is for sure: the Fast franchise will keep breaking records despite the odds and, hopefully, these milestones will continue to be accompanied by love from stars like Ludacris and Tyrese Gibson.

The newest Fast and Furious movie is here and, if past is prologue, then we're likely in for a rash of incidents involving people driving a little too fast. We've seen some history of people getting a little to into the Fast and Furious movies and enjoying the high speed automotive action so much they wanted to get into it themselves. The state of Virginia apparently had an idea to try and prevent people from getting too crazy on the roads, and Ludacris approves.

F9 co-star Ludacris shared an image of an electronic road sign, found someplace in Virginia, which encourages drives to not drive "fast and furious." It also name drops Luda himself. The actor loves being part of this public service campaign and suggests that the rest of the country should consider something similar.

It may sound a little crazy, but there actually is some evidence that when Fast and Furious movies come out, people tend to drive a little faster. The state of Virginia is trying to get out ahead of the problem, however slight it might be, and remind people to drive safely. Perhaps by referencing the movie series that may have influenced them they can better get people's attention.

Ludacris is clearly getting a kick out of getting this unexpected shoutout. The official Fast Saga Instagram account responded to the post, as did co-star Jordana Brewster. Everybody seems a little taken aback by the Fast and Furious reference in a road warning. At the same time, the image has now gone viral, which means that not only are people seeing the funny joke, but they're also seeing the message about driving safely. Ao in the end, everybody wins.

It does show just how ubiquitous the Fast and Furious franchise has become. After 10 movies, it's one of the biggest film franchises in the world and it's something that everybody understands, including people who haven't actually seen the movies. I guess you know you've made it when a Department of Transportation makes reference to you.

To whatever degree people are influenced by Fast and Furious movies to try and drive like the people on the screen, there's a lot of people for signs like this to potentially reach. F9 saw an opening weekend box office of $70 million, which is the most we've seen from a film since the end of 2019. Those numbers are solid for the Fast and Furious franchise, but they're a very good signal for the industry as a whole. People are willing to go back to movie theaters in significant numbers.

It will be interesting to see if Virginia sees a noticeable decrease in traffic incidents as a result of this sign. If so, then we may see something like it again in a couple years. There are at least two more Fast and Furious movies on the way.

It’s no secret that the Fast family holds the franchise dear to their hearts and would even jump at the opportunity to keep the Fast Saga going long into the future. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that even before F9 has been released in theaters, they are already chatting about where they’re going in F10. And apparently, Tyrese Gibson and co-star Ludacris have one big idea for Fast and Furious 10 that would take the Fast family somewhere they haven’t gone before.

Apparently Tyrese Gibson and Ludacris want to take the Fast Saga to a new country. And during a recent interview SiriusXM, Gibson revealed the sweet reason he and his co-star would like the franchise to make this move. Here it is in the actor’s own words:

The Fast Franchise has taken Tyrese Gibson’s character and the rest of the Fast family all over the world, and the upcoming F9 even takes two of the characters into the ultimate frontier. The journey the franchise has taken over the course of the nine movies is amazing, and adding the stunning landscape of South Africa, with its beautiful scenery meshing with the franchise’s sleek cars, would certainly be exciting.

Space isn’t the only place that F9 will take viewers, either. In the same interview, Tyrese Gibson touches on the fact that they went to Jordana Brewster’s mother’s home country of Brazil. Gibson went on to mention what the experience was like for his co-star and compared it with a possible venture to South Africa. Here it is in the actor's own words:

As cool as it would be to see the Fast family racing through the beautiful landscape of South Africa, wherever they go in Fast and Furious 10 is bound to be pretty epic. That is, if they can top F9 (which critics are saying could be difficult)! The latest in the Fast Saga, F9, has been crushing the box office in other parts of the world but, here in the US, you'll finally be able to check it out when it officially roars into theaters this Friday, June 25.

After multiple delays due to COVID, F9 is finally racing towards the big screen. A year after the original release, the film finally had its premiere with a full red carpet and all. So, of course, everyone had to come out and show their support. For the F9 premiere, Vin Diesel and the cast shared glam looks and even a sweet nod to Paul Walker.

The premiere for F9, one of 2021’s most anticipated releases, brought out most of the film’s stars and, of course, they took to social media to celebrate the long-delayed film’s release. Vin Diesel was among those to commemorate the special occasion, and he did so by taking to his Instagram to recognize his late co-star, Paul Walker. Check out Diesel’s touching tribute to his late co-star below:

This tribute was a wonderful way to tie Paul Walker to this latest installment, and this isn’t the first tribute Vin Diesel has made to his late co-star ahead the film’s release. For Diesel, Walker was more than just a co-star to him. Diesel has pointed out on several occasions how Walker's memory influenced the ninth installment, and the actor isn’t only when it comes to missing Walker's presence.

In addition to Diesel’s touching Paul Walker tribute, F9 co-star Jordana Brewster also just as sentimental about the film’s release. Brewster decided to make the moment a family affair as seen on her Instagram. She posted a photo of her mom and son posing on the blue carpet for the F9 premiere. After that post, the F9 star chose to share a sweet moment between her son and Vin Diesel. To see the touching moment, check out Brewster’s Instagram post below:

Jordana Brewster’s posts follow the franchise’s theme of family, but that extends beyond the screen, as seen in the social media interactions between the co-stars. As evidenced by posts like these and others, the cast has become family-like over two decades. But the film’s premiere wasn’t just about family connections but Hollywood glamour as well.

The F9 premiere allowed everyone to show off sleek suits and amazing outfits, and everyone looked fresh. Ludacris took the moment to show off his red carpet look on Instagram. He struck a nice pose with F9 co-star Charlize Theron. Look at the rapper-actor’s behind-the-scenes moment below:

Ludacris’ photo is a true indicator of how Hollywood is returning to normal after a year without traditional red-carpet premieres or huge events. This premiere, along with the recent one for In The Heights, was nice to witness after a such lengthy period of quarantine and isolation. Overall,, it seems Hollywood is going back to business as usual.

Fans of the franchise won’t have to wait much longer for F9 to drop, as it arrives in theaters on June 25. Along with this release, check out the 2021 summer movie schedule to see what else this summer season has to offer.