Stars Who Almost Joined the Fast & Furious Franchise
Since its debut in 2001, The Fast and the Furious franchise has left a lasting mark in the movie industry, raking in over $40 million during its opening weekend. Following the success of the original film, the franchise expanded with sequels like 2 Fast 2 Furious and Tokyo Drift, each time introducing new characters and shifting storylines.
In 2009, the franchise regained momentum by reuniting the original cast, including Vin Diesel and Paul Walker, with the film Fast & Furious. This reboot paved the way for a multi-billion dollar series that now boasts ten films, an animated series, video games, and attractions at theme parks.
Over the years, the franchise has welcomed many star-studded names, including Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham. However, it’s interesting to note that many notable actors turned down roles or auditioned unsuccessfully. Here’s a look at some famous faces who nearly joined the Fast & Furious family.
Timothy Olyphant as Dom Toretto
Timothy Olyphant, known for his roles in Deadwood and Justified, was once a leading contender for the iconic role of Dom Toretto, which eventually went to Vin Diesel. According to producer Neal Moritz, Universal Pictures was keen on casting Olyphant. However, he declined the offer, leaving the studio in a state of uncertainty about the film’s future.
Denzel Washington
Hollywood heavyweight Denzel Washington was also approached for a role in the franchise. During discussions for Furious 7, Washington turned down what could have been a significant part. His decision highlighted the competitive nature of casting in successful franchises.
Tommy Lee Jones as Luke Hobbs
Interestingly, the role of Luke Hobbs was originally written for Tommy Lee Jones before Dwayne Johnson took it on in Fast Five. Vin Diesel revealed that the character was reimagined based on fan requests, ultimately giving Johnson his breakout role in the series.
Dave Bautista
Dave Bautista, famous for his role in Guardians of the Galaxy, was considered for the franchise as well. However, he had different interests, particularly wanting to discuss a potential film adaptation of the video game Gears of War. His focus on that project led him to turn down discussions with Universal about Fast & Furious.
Deepika Padukone
Indian actress Deepika Padukone, renowned for her performances in Bollywood, almost appeared in Furious 7. Vin Diesel praised her talent during auditions, but scheduling conflicts kept her from joining the cast. Diesel remained eager to collaborate with her and eventually cast her in another project.
Daisy May Cooper
British actress Daisy May Cooper revealed she was offered a role in one of the Fast films but had to decline due to scheduling issues. Commenting on the opportunity, she noted the confined nature of her potential role, which included only a couple of lines.
In conclusion, the Fast & Furious saga has seen many near misses with big names in Hollywood, which only adds to the intrigue and excitement surrounding the franchise. Despite losing out on these opportunities, it remains a massive success with a beloved cast and a dedicated fanbase.
