Fast and Furious: Film Delays and Theme Park Expansion Mark 2026

2 January 2026 Film and Entertainment

Introduction: A Franchise at a Crossroads

The Fast and Furious franchise finds itself in a pivotal moment as 2026 approaches, marking the series’ 25th anniversary. While fans eagerly await the eleventh instalment—intended as the saga’s grand finale—production challenges continue to plague the project. Meanwhile, Universal Studios Hollywood is set to debut ‘Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift,’ the fastest roller coaster in the Universal Destinations & Experiences portfolio at 72 MPH, demonstrating the franchise’s expanding influence beyond cinema.

Film Production Faces Uncertain Future

Fast X: Part 2, initially slated for 2025, was pushed back to 2026 and is now aiming for a release in April 2027, though Universal has not fixed a release date and production has not even begun. The film is facing trouble due to its lack of script and disagreements over the budget, with no locked script or release date confirmed. Actor Alan Ritchson attributes delays to scheduling conflicts, noting that getting stars like Dwayne Johnson, Vin Diesel, and Jason Momoa aligned is ‘a feat of nature’. Despite these setbacks, Vin Diesel confirmed in February 2024 that the eleventh film would be the final instalment.

Theme Park Expansion Accelerates

Whilst the film struggles, the franchise’s theme park presence thrives. The innovative roller coaster will rocket guests up to 72 MPH along 4,100 feet of elaborate track, featuring groundbreaking 360-degree rotation of individual ride vehicles. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, Universal Hollywood’s first outdoor high-speed roller coaster, is currently undergoing testing ahead of its 2026 opening.

Conclusion: Franchise’s Legacy Hangs in Balance

2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the Fast & Furious franchise, presenting a perfect opportunity for celebration. However, based on production delays and disorganisation, Fast & Furious 11 may not release in summer 2026. The franchise faces a critical juncture—while its theme park expansion demonstrates enduring commercial appeal, the flagship film series confronts creative and logistical obstacles that could impact its finale’s success. For fans worldwide, 2026 will deliver thrills at Universal Studios, even as they continue waiting for the cinematic conclusion to Dom Toretto’s journey.