Jean-Claude Van Damme has revealed that he was once in talks to join the cast of the Fast and Furious franchise, but Vin Diesel put an end to all that.
In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Van Damme said, “They want me in Fast and Furious. But Vin Diesel said no. No, I don’t want him.”
It’s unclear which film in the franchise Van Damme was being considered for, but it’s clear that Diesel has the final say on who joins the cast.
Diesel, who has been credited as a producer on every entry in the Fast and Furious franchise since 2009’s Fast & Furious, has been known to treat these movies as his baby. He’s also developed a reputation as a bit of a helicopter parent.
The Fast and Furious franchise has been a major success for Universal Studios, grossing over $6 billion worldwide. But the latest installment, Fast X, underperformed at the box office, grossing just $704 million worldwide.
It’s possible that Diesel is trying to protect the franchise by only casting actors who he believes are a good fit. But it’s also possible that he’s just power-tripping.
Whatever the reason, it’s clear that Jean-Claude Van Damme won’t be appearing in the Fast and Furious franchise anytime soon.
Jean-Claude Van Damme says he was wanted to star in the ‘FAST & FURIOUS’ franchise but Vin Diesel said “No, I don’t want him.”
(Source: https://t.co/cJNRejwcot) pic.twitter.com/k6ErTOhptI
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) October 24, 2023