You might need a Corona (or six) to deal with this news, fam. Universal has pushed the release of Fast and Furious 9 (or whatever they end up calling it) back from 2019 to 2020 — meaning you’ll now have to wait an extra, whole year to see the continuation of Dom & Co.’s epic automotive action soap opera. Although no reason for the delay was given, I have to assume Universal needs more time to come up with a title, and “9” isn’t exactly the most generous number to work with. Fast 9 Furious? Fast 9? The 9 Lives of the Furious? It’s kind of a problem.
It may seem strange to describe the eighth film in a blockbuster franchise as a transitional moment in the series, but then again, few franchises have had to deal with the death of an actor as essential as Paul Walker. The Fate of the Furious was always going to be a bittersweet affair for those involved; while the movie promised to push new characters and new relationships to the forefront, fans wondered how exactly they would choose to address the loss of Walker’s beloved Brian. The solution screenwriter Chris Morgan came up with should leave diehards and newcomers alike very pleased.