Alan Ritchson, the Fast X star known for his role as Aimes in the franchise, revealed an amusing encounter with Vin Diesel where he admitted to never having seen any of the Fast & Furious movies before joining the cast. Ritchson, also recognized for his portrayal of Jack Reacher in the Reacher series on Prime Video, shared this anecdote during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show.
Recalling the conversation, Ritchson admitted his lack of familiarity with the franchise to Diesel, saying, "Hey man, I hadn't really watched any of them. I watched the first one in high school, and now that I got the part, I've seen them all, and I just love what you've been doing with the last two decades." While Ritchson initially worried about his confession, Diesel responded graciously, expressing his appreciation. Reflecting on the situation, Ritchson acknowledged his own folly, recognizing the significance of the Fast & Furious series in Diesel's life and comparing it to his dedication to the Reacher series.
The Fast & Furious franchise has undergone significant evolution over the years, as Ritchson would have discovered had he ventured into Fast X armed only with his knowledge of the original film from 2001. What began as a grounded narrative centered around characters like Brian O'Conner and Dom Toretto has since transformed into a spectacle of extravagant heists and daring rescues. The series has even ventured into space in its most recent installment, F9, featuring the unforgettable moment when Roman and Tej embarked on a cosmic adventure.
Moreover, the franchise has increasingly emphasized the importance of Dom's extended family, highlighting the unbreakable bond between his crew members. While earlier films such as 2 Fast 2 Furious and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift focused on different characters, their storylines eventually intertwined with those of Dom's crew in subsequent entries, lending a deeper significance to their ultimate culmination in Fast X.
Although Fast X marks the beginning of the final chapter in the Fast & Furious franchise, fans can still anticipate an array of thrilling action sequences yet to come. Ritchson's character, Aimes, is likely to return following a cliffhanger ending in Fast X. While Ritchson may not have been well-versed in the Fast & Furious universe before joining the cast, his newfound appreciation for the series is evident and is expected to carry through to future films.
