Vin Diesel updates fans on next 'Fast and Furious' installment

Fast and Furious franchise star Vin Diesel has a special update for fans about the popular action movie series. Diesel took to Instagram to announce that he had met earlier with the writers and team behind the planned finale to Universal Pictures' action film series, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

This is the first public update on the film since Diesel's former assistant sued him for sexual abuse in December over an alleged 2010 encounter at a hotel while working on Fast Five. Diesel, who also produces the car-focused films, has denied any misconduct.

Taking to Instagram, he wrote, "Just finished our end of the week Fast meeting with the writers and the whole team... to say the excitement for our finale was incredibly powerful is an understatement. Wow. So exciting..."

"While everyone was heading into the weekend amped and excited, I thought of you all... reminded of the countless moments when your enthusiasm and passion became the driving force behind our creative journey. Your commitment to our saga has had a unique impact on its success and evolution... as my youngest daughter would say, it's profound," he added.

He thanked his fans for supporting the franchise and concluded the post with, "Thank you for being the backbone of this global saga that because of you, transcends the screen. This grand finale is not just an ending; it's a celebration of the incredible family we've built together. Hope to make you proud!"

This statement is significant in light of the speculation about the impact of the case on the franchise's future. Fast X, the 10th installment in the Fast and Furious franchise, starring Diesel as racing obsessive Dom Toretto, opened in May and grossed more than $700 million worldwide. In addition to a finale that will star Diesel, another film to star Dwayne Johnson and others from the Fast crew is in the works.

Last week, Diesel's visit to the American Cinematheque Awards in Los Angeles marked his first public appearance since the legal action. As one of the high-profile guests paying tribute to honoree Helen Mirren, Diesel thanked the Oscar-winning actress, who had a role in Fast X, for inviting him to speak. She, in turn, thanked him while accepting her honor. A sequel to Fast X from director Louis Leterrier is scheduled for release on April 4, 2025, according to The Hollywood Reporter. (ANI)