“Fast & Furious” has been around for a reason, according to Ludacris.
The latest installment of the successful franchise, “Fast X,” which stars Vin Diesel, Tyrese Gibson, and Ludacris, was released across U.S. theaters on May 19, 2023. Already, the action-packed film grossed an impressive $319 million worldwide, according to IndieWire. As of this writing, it reportedly ranks as the third-highest grossing box office opening worldwide for a “Fast & Furious” movie after “Fate of the Furious” ($541.9 million) and “Furious 7” ($397.6 million), according to Deadline.
‘FAST X’ earns $319M in the film’s worldwide opening weekend.
Read our review: https://t.co/iDSNcCSbcq pic.twitter.com/mL8rrqsS2h
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) May 21, 2023
Clearly, the franchise has remained steady due to its loyal fanbase. Yet, some critics have also raised questions about the film’s longevity.
“Seriously, how does fast and furious still profit money? Who is going to see these movies still? Lol,” one Twitter user said.
Seriously, how does fast and furious still profit money? Who is going to see these movies still? Lol
— Kyle Perry (@Coach_Perry1) May 19, 2023
During an interview with “SHOWTIME Basketball,” Ludacris had a word for naysayers and shed light on how the film’s profitability has kept it afloat since its debut in 2001.
“I hear people say all the time, ‘Why do y’all keep doing these movies?’ That’s the dumbest f–king question in the world,” Ludacris explained during an interview with “SHOWTIME Basketball.” “Imma tell you why. Because no matter what industry we in, podcast, music, movies, it’s all about a bottom line. It’s all about how much you spend compared to how much you make. We’re making billions of f–king dollars and I’m saying that like I’m just giving you my heart. I’m not trying to brag or nothing.”
He added, “If you spend $200 million and you make a billion, who the f–k is you going to tell to stop shooting movies when you making $800 motherf–king million dollars every time?”
Yet, despite the gleaming numbers, the franchise will actually be reaching its finish line in 2024.
“Every story deserves its own ending,” Diesel said, according to Boss Hunting. “I know people are going to feel like it doesn’t have to end, but I think all good things should. There are reasons for a finale. I think this franchise has deserved it.”