Why Tokyo Drift 2 Is the Fast & Furious Sequel Fans Have Been Waiting For

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Summary

  • Fast X teases the return of Gal Gadot’s Gisele, setting the perfect stage for a Tokyo Drift sequel.
  • A Tokyo Drift sequel could give Han and Gisele the happy ending they deserve.
  • Fast X: Part 2 may be the last main installment, but a spinoff film like Tokyo Drift 2 presents a clear path forward.

Previously, the Fast & Furious series has prospered with a standalone film, and Fast X paves the way for potentially another in Tokyo Drift 2. The initial spin-off movie was the 2019 release Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, where Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham reprised their roles following their successful collaboration in the eighth film, The Fate of the Furious. This spin-off grossed over $760 million globally, demonstrating the series’ ability to excel beyond its primary installments.

In 2006, the third installment of “The Fast and the Furious” series hit the screens under the title “Tokyo Drift“. This film starred Lucas Black, Bow Wow (Shad Moss), and Sung Kang, as Vin Diesel and Paul Walker decided not to rejoin for the previous two films. Instead of following the familiar storyline, “Tokyo Drift” offered a fresh take on the franchise with new characters, which led some to question if the series was starting to lose its momentum.

Despite having an estimated budget of $85 million, it raked in an impressive $158 million at the global box office, demonstrating its popularity among fans, despite mixed reviews from critics. The franchise introduced key characters once more for the fourth film, marking a shift towards grand-scale spectacles. Nevertheless, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift remains cherished by fans, with Fast X setting up a sequel to this distinctive chapter in the series.

How Fast X Set Up The Possibility For Tokyo Drift 2

In the closing scene of “Fast X”, there’s a hint that Gal Gadot will reprise her role as Gisele. She initially made an appearance in the fourth film, only to return for two more installments, until her character appeared to meet her end at the conclusion of “Fast & Furious 6” on the airport runway. This was a particularly hard moment for Dom’s team, and it hit Han, played by Sung Kang, especially hard because he and Gisele were in a romantic relationship. However, the “Fast & Furious” series often brings back characters thought to be dead, having reintroduced ones like Michelle Rodriguez’s Letty and Han himself, who was brought back not once, but twice. Han’s latest comeback was in “F9: The Fast Saga”, where it was revealed that Mr. Nobody helped him stage his own demise.

At the end of Fast X, a submarine in the Antarctic ice is seen with Gisele on top, gazing determinedly toward saving Cipher and Letty from a secret prison. Since it was only a brief hint, no information was given about how she’s still alive, but theories speculate that Mr. Nobody may have faked her death like he did with Han or perhaps Cipher saved her instead. No matter the explanation for Gisele’s resurrection, her appearance creates an ideal setup for a sequel to The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, featuring both her and Han.

Why The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift 2 Is The Right Move For The Franchise

In the course of their romantic relationship, Gisele and Han envisioned Tokyo as the city where they’d abandon their criminal lives to live harmoniously. Regrettably, Gisele passed away before they could realize this dream together. Subsequently, Han relocated to Tokyo himself, setting off the chain of events depicted in “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift“. Now that Han and Gisele are back, the franchise has a golden opportunity to provide them with the joyous conclusion they were destined for. Portraying these two characters in a “Tokyo Drift” spinoff would be an ideal way to narrate their story. Although a new “Tokyo Drift” installment would require action and dramatic tension, it could also deliver on the long-awaited happy ending for Han and Gisele that fans have been expecting.

The sequel of “Fast X: Part 2,” rumored to be the last main installment, might actually mark the end, but considering the success of its intellectual property, it seems likely that it will carry on in different formats. This has already been demonstrated through the “Fast & Furious Crossroads” video game and the animated series, “Fast & Furious Spy Racers.” Instead of introducing new characters like it did with “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift,” the franchise could continue its unique evolution by focusing on popular characters in standalone stories. The success of “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw” suggests that this approach is the way forward for the series. Gisele and Han, whose relationship struck a chord with audiences despite its tragic elements, are ideal candidates for a spinoff, as they deserve a happy ending in Tokyo.

Additionally, introducing characters like Gisele and Han, it would also open up possibilities for reprising roles for Bow Wow’s Sean Boswell and Sean’s Black character from the Fast & Furious franchise, who were last seen in F9: The Fast Saga. In The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, Sean grieved over Han’s death, as they had formed a strong bond of friendship. Since Han was revealed to be alive in F9, they’ve only had a fleeting reunion, leaving room for more of their story to unfold.

What’s Next For The Fast & Furious Franchise At Large?

Fast X: The Final Chapter

The sequel to Fast X, tentatively titled Fast X: The Final Chapter, is due for release next, marking the end of this action-packed series. Following the nail-biting cliffhanger ending of its predecessor, we’ll be left guessing about the survival of some beloved characters. The main cast from the Fast & Furious franchise, including Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Sung Kang, Tyrese Gibson, Jordana Brewster, and others, are expected to reprise their roles. Although specific details about the sequel remain secret for now, filming is scheduled to commence this summer, with a targeted release date in spring 2026. Vin Diesel has hinted that the film will return to its roots, suggesting a possible scaling back of the spectacle, much like how the franchise began. He’s also been teasing Toretto’s Garage on social media.

Additionally, a new spin-off titled “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Reyes” is under development, serving as a continuation of the film “Hobbs & Shaw.” Few details are available, but Dwayne Johnson has confirmed that they’re working on this project. In it, Jason Momoa’s character, Dante Reyes from “Fast X,” will be seeking retribution against Hobbs for killing his father in “Fast Five.” After “Fast X: Part 2,” the franchise may delve into more projects, and the setup for its next exciting spin-off could potentially be “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift 2.

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2025-04-30 22:14