Michael Lesslie Tackles New Draft of ‘Fast 11’ Script
A recent report from Filmogaz.com said the upcoming eleventh Fast film lacked a finished script. It added many cast members remained unsigned and that Universal sought budget cuts.
Script status and new writer
Vin Diesel announced on Instagram that Michael Lesslie will rewrite the screenplay. He will revise a previous draft for the series finale.
Vin Diesel posted that Michael Lesslie Tackles New Draft of ‘Fast 11’ Script for the finale. Lesslie will work as both a writer and a reviser.
Lesslie’s recent credits include The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. He also worked on Sunrise on the Reaping and Now You See Me: Now You Don’t.
He wrote a modern Hamlet starring Riz Ahmed, and he is rumored to be attached to Marvel’s X-Men reboot.
Writing history
Lesslie is the sixth writer attached to the project. Several previous scribes prepared drafts for the film.
- Christina Hodson
- Oren Uziel
- Aaron Rabin
- Zach Dean
- Gary Scott Thompson
Budget, box office and stakes
Universal reportedly wants roughly $140 million cut from the budget versus Fast X. The demand aims to rein in rising production costs.
Fast X grossed $705 million worldwide but proved the weakest earner in over a decade. It became the franchise’s most expensive entry, with a budget above $300 million.
The franchise totals ten films and $7.3 billion in global box office. The eleventh chapter carries high financial and legacy stakes.
Production turmoil and directors
Production on the prior film was troubled. Director Justin Lin exited midway through filming, reportedly over creative differences with Diesel.
Louis Leterrier stepped in to finish the film. Leterrier is expected to direct the final chapter.
Release schedule and outlook
Universal has scheduled the finale, titled Fast Forever, for March 17, 2028. Earlier targets moved several times between 2025 and 2027.
Diesel once promised 2025, Leterrier mentioned 2026, and Diesel later cited April 2027 at FuelFest. Universal now asks audiences to accept the 2028 date.
The team has about two years to deliver the film. Studio commitments and cast deals remain in flux.
