This Universal Executive’s Comments Reveal How the Fast and Furious Franchise Went Downhill

While speaking at the Toronto International Film Festival, Universal Studios Chair Donna Langley talked about the studio’s ultra-popular The Fast and the Furious series, particularly about how star Vin Diesel’s engagement with fans paved the road forward for the franchise. But Langley might not have realized that this praise actually highlights just where the series may have gone wrong. By catering to fan demand and theories, the Fast and Furious saga went from a thrilling action franchise to an overstuffed self-parody. If the series plans to move forward, its producers need to stop pandering and remember what originally made it a great ride.