The family just got a little bit bigger, as Deadline has learned that Universal has added the fan-favorite Alan Ritchson (Reacher; Blue Mountain State) to the ensemble cast of Fast X, the tenth installment in their blockbuster Fast & Furious franchise. Further details on his role are being kept under wraps.
Ritchson will presumably join the production imminently as it recently resumed filming, with Louis Letterier (The Incredible Hulk; Now You See Me) now in the director's chair. Universal was quick to bring him on board after franchise mainstay Justin Lin decided to exit the vehicle due to creative differences with leading man Vin Diesel and the studio.
However, while he will no longer be directing, Lin remains attached as a producer and the film will still be using the script he wrote alongside Dan Mazeau.
Ritchson joins a cast headlined by Vin Diesel, who returns as Dom Toretto, with a familiar supporting cast consisting of Michelle Rodriguez as Letty Ortiz, Tyrese Gibson as Roman Pearce, Ludacris as Tej Parker, Jordana Brewster as Mia Toretto, Sung Kang as Han Seoul-Oh, Nathalie Emmanuel as Ramsey, John Cena as Jakob Toretto, Lucas Black as Sean Boswell, Cardi B as Leysa, Charlize Theron as Cipher, Helen Mirren as Queenie Magdalene Ellmanson-Shaw, and Jason Statham as Deckard Shaw.
Academy Award-winner Brie Larson (Captain Marvel; The Marvels), Jason Momoa (Aquaman; Dune), and Daniela Melchior (The Suicide Squad; The Payback) have all joined the cast in key roles, with Momoa reportedly set to play the villain.
Plot details are unknown, but the film is expected to be the thrilling first half of a sure-to-be epic two-part finale.
Fast X is slated to race into theaters on May 19, 2023; while the final chapter in the saga, the untitled Fast & Furious 11, is tentatively scheduled to arrive in February 2024.