Vin Diesel appears to be hinting at a long-awaited character return in Fast and Furious 11, which has me torn. Fast 11 will be a direct sequel to Fast Five, which pitted Dom and his pals against new villain Dante Reyes, the son of Fast Five’s Hernan Reyes. Few details have been disclosed. The next film should conclude this big retribution and justice story.
In recent Fast and Furious films, the franchise has brought back long-gone characters. Following Han Lue in F9, whose death in Tokyo Drift was retconned after 15 years, Gisele Yashar was revived at the end of Fast X. Devon Aoki’s 2 Fast Suki may return. These have all been controversial, but they may be building toward a big reunion in the finale.
Another Brian Return Tease From Vin Diesel’s Fast & Furious 11
The Actor Honored Friend Paul Walker
Vin Diesel paid tribute to his old friend Paul Walker, who played Brian O’Conner in the first part of Fast and Furious, on Instagram. After Walker’s automobile accident death, Furious 7 removed the character. Vin Diesel comments, “I will have to brace myself for this next film.” This could just be recognition of their collaborative project ending, but I think Brian will return.
The post by Vin Diesel teases Brian’s comeback, something fans have been guessing about for a while. Brian has been the franchise’s face from the start, and while Toretto is the protagonist now, I don’t think this story could end without O’Conner. Despite his absence, Fast & Furious has used CGI to recreate his likeness.
For Years, Fast & Furious Has Set Up Brian’s Return
Character Remains in Franchise
This tease isn’t surprising, as Toretto naming his child after his old friend, multiple conversations about where Brian is, and the appearance of his car at the end of F9 have all hinted at his return. The latter proves Brian is alive and in touch with his friends, making it the strongest case for his homecoming.
Naturally, returning Brian in Fast & Furious 11 would be risky. CGI replicating Walker’s face would be controversial, but it’s not uncommon. Fast and Furious did it in the end of Furious 7, and Hollywood is doing it more and more. This was popularized by Star Wars, which used CGI to resuscitate Peter Cushing and Carrie Fisher, while Alien: Romulus recreated Ian Holm.
His heartbreaking parting at the end of Furious 7 would have been enough, but the franchise has mentioned him countless times since then, hinting his adventure continues.
Fast and Furious would face outrage if they followed suit, but I can’t see a satisfactory franchise ending without Brian O’Conner. His heartbreaking parting at the end of Furious 7 would have been enough, but the franchise has mentioned him countless times since then, hinting his adventure continues. After all those teases, ignoring him in Fast & Furious 11 would be disappointing.