Louis Leterrier, known for works like ‘The Incredible Hulk’ and the first two ‘Transporter’ films is stepping in to direct the upcoming ‘Fast and Furious‘ movie, ‘Fast X’. He is replacing Justin Lin, who made a surprise exit from the tenth instalment of the franchise, Variety reported. 

Leterrier is Universal’s first choice and reportedly beat out a long list of possibilities, Variety reported citing sources. While details are being worked out, the director will come into the franchise with some action movie experience having worked with stars like Jet Li and Jason Statham before. Leterrier isn’t a stranger to big-budget films either, having helmed tentpole projects like the Hulk movie, ‘Clash of the Titans’, and ‘Now You See Me’. 

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He had some work stumbles with Sacha Baron Cohen’s ‘The Brothers Grimsby’ but made a turnaround with some well-received series like ‘Lupin’ and ‘The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance’. Leterrier has a French movie, ‘The Takedown’ in the production stages at present. 

When Lin departed on April 26, the new ‘Fast and Furious’ project had already started and was a week into production. With all creative elements set, Leterrier has his job cut out for him. Cameras have continued rolling even after the previous director left though filming for the main unit stopped. The second unit continued shoots in the UK. 

With high-profile cast members like Vin Diesel, Charlize Theron, and new joiner Jason Momoa, Universal cannot afford a substantial shooting delay since these actors have commitments with other franchises, most notably Momoa who’s ‘Aquaman‘ in the DC movies. 

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Another hurdle is that ‘Fast X’ was initially envisioned as a two-part release that would mark the final outing of the franchise that has seen its members go from street racers to daredevil superheroes in vehicles. However, the current production schedule can only fit the first part of the movie.