Justin Lin Steps Away From Directing Fast 10, Will Remain Onboard As Producer

The latest installment in the so-called Fast Saga has hit a pretty serious snag. "Fast X" has lost its director just as production was getting underway. Director Justin Lin, one of the chief architects of the multi-billion-dollar franchise, has stepped away as director just after cameras on the film had started rolling mere days ago. That means a new director will be needed to take his place and (pardon the pun) that person needs to be found fast.

According to Deadline, Lin officially parted ways with the director's chair but will remain on board as a producer. While the split between the filmmaker and Universal Studios is said to be amicable, it is also stated that dreaded creative differences got in the way. Unfortunately, we don't have more by way of specifics at this time. What we do have though is a statement from Lin on the matter, which reads as follows:

#FASTX pic.twitter.com/T0w9LuYS0F

— The Fast Saga (@TheFastSaga) April 26, 2022

"With the support of Universal, I have made the difficult decision to step back as director of FAST X, while remaining with the project as a producer. Over 10 years and five films, we have been able to shoot the best actors, the best stunts, and the best damn car chases. On a personal note, as the child of Asian immigrants, I am proud of helping to build the most diverse franchise in movie history. I will forever be grateful to the amazing cast, crew and studio for their support, and for welcoming me into the FAST family."

Lin has directed several installments in the series including "Tokyo Drift," "Fast & Furious," "Fast Five," "Fast and Furious 6," and last year's "F9." He is largely responsible for turning this from a series of movies about street racing and (relatively) petty theft into a global action blockbuster franchise. So losing him is no small thing, especially since this is supposed to be the first in a two-part finale for the main series of films.