As Fast X had one of the largest collections of actors ever featured across the franchise, clearly the only way to step up the game is by expanding the family. Here are five great examples of how they can, and should, do that.
1) Samuel L Jackson
Enough is enough. Jackson’s wise cracking has already worked for Diesel in the past in the XXX franchise. With Team Family spread out, and Roman looking to take on more of a leadership role, it might only be natural that he could reach out to someone in his own family. Perhaps Jackson? Scenes between Tyrese’s loud mouth Roman and Jackson perhaps as his father would show how Roman is the way he is, and where he got his fast talking comedic chops. Jackson can also handle himself in an action movie, and he’s 30 years older than Gibson, making him a great age for fatherhood.
2) Norman Reedus
Remember how Dom had an original crew from back in the day? Remember Vince? Wouldn’t Reedus be perfect for Vince’s brother? Plus, Reedus literally has his own show about riding motorcycles, something they really barely use in this franchise. Reedus could open up for a conversation into how Vince was always into cars, and he preferred motorcycles, and then prove to be helpful in a sequence where Dom perhaps needs the help of his biker gang?
3) Ryan Reynolds
At this point, doesn’t it feel like Reynolds would pop up as some wise cracking character? He’s worked directly with a chunk of the cast, and adjacent to Diesel in the greater MCU. With the direction they took Momoa, and Ritchson, it’s possible Reynolds could come in as Ritchson’s older brother. There’s no reason that the bad guy family shouldn’t gain an ally for the next film.
4) Zendaya
Ramsey needs to flesh out her family as well. Perhaps with a sister? Perhaps with a sister who is just as useful as she is, and catches the attention of Roman? It feels like Zendaya is everywhere, and I think she could potentially play the sister to Ramsey. If she’s too busy winning awards, I would further nominate Halle Berry as an older sister, since she likes to pop up now randomly (see: john Wick Chapter 3).
5) Tom Hanks
Shut up. Don’t laugh. Listen. No, come back. Hanks and Diesel worked together in Saving Private Ryan, and what if, since these guys keep getting asked to do crazy shit, Dom had to also save the President… played by Tom Hanks…. In the 11th movie? Doesn’t sound so crazy now does it? President Hanks? Saving President Hanks? If Helen mirren can be in this series, i really don’t know why Hanks would pass on it.
And the two who must return:
Lucas Black and Shad moss (aka Bow Wow)
We briefly saw them, but with Han returning, and that ending of Fast X, I think it’s about time to blow open the doors fully and embrace Tokyo Drift. They become family because Han is family. And family means nobody gets left behind.