The Fast & Furious franchise, recognized as one of the most profitable of the 21st century, has managed to stay in the spotlight of entertainment for over two decades. Its next installment, Fast Forever, will premiere in March 2028, although the saga has faced a period of uncertainty in recent times. From its modest beginnings focused on underground racing, the saga has evolved into true action blockbusters that have seen its protagonists confront global threats and perform nearly impossible feats.
Speed Racer already existed long before
The origin of the title Fast & Furious is more intriguing than many might imagine. The name comes from an article published in Vibe magazine in 1998, titled Racer X, which addressed the world of underground racing in New York. Although this title seemed ideal for a blockbuster, Universal had to reject it because it was already licensed by Warner Bros. for a project related to Speed Racer. Faced with this situation, the studio sought alternatives, and that’s how the iconic name Fast & Furious was born.
Although The Fast and the Furious from 1954 shares a similar name, its content is markedly different. This film, produced by Roger Corman, tells the story of an escaped criminal who uses a racer’s car to participate in an international race, without the focus on the tuning culture that characterizes the modern saga. Interestingly, the expression Fast and Furious has roots in literature, appearing for the first time in a poem by Robert Burns from 1791, where something fast and full of energy is described.
The saga has encompassed a universe of action and emotion, and despite facing challenges, the legacy of Fast & Furious continues to set milestones in the film industry.
