The 'Fast & Furious' universe is officially shifting gears once again. Ahead of a special 25th anniversary screening of the original film at the Cannes Film Festival, NBC Universal announced that four new live-action television series based on the blockbuster franchise are currently in development. Franchise star Vin Diesel will step into a larger behind-the-scenes role as executive producer for the upcoming projects.
The announcement marks a major expansion for one of Hollywood's most successful action franchises, which has earned more than $7 billion globally since the release of The 'Fast & Furious' in 2001. While the films built their legacy through street racing, high-stakes heists and themes of family, the new television projects aim to extend the universe further by exploring untold stories and legacy characters.
Image Courtesy: Deadline
Vin Diesel Confirms Expansion at NBC Universal Presentation
Vin Diesel revealed the news during NBC Universal's upfront presentation at Radio City Music Hall in New York. According to reports, the actor told audiences that Peacock is developing four different shows set in the 'Fast & Furious' universe, though only one project has officially been confirmed by the studio so far. Diesel reportedly explained that fans had long wanted to see deeper stories surrounding characters from the franchise, which encouraged Universal to expand the saga into television.
Image Courtesy: Variety
He also credited NBC Universal content chief Donna Langley for helping preserve the legacy and emotional core of the franchise while adapting it for streaming audiences. The upcoming shows are being developed for Peacock and will include several long-time 'Fast & Furious' collaborators behind the scenes.
Chris Morgan, Neal Moritz and Jeff Kirschenbaum are attached as executive producers alongside Diesel. Mike Daniels and Wolfe Coleman are expected to serve as writers and showrunners for one of the projects currently in active development.
Cannes Celebrates 25 years of The 'Fast & Furious'
The television announcement arrives just days before the Cannes Film Festival hosts a special midnight screening celebrating 25 years of the original 'Fast & Furious' film. The screening at the Palais des Festivals will be attended by Vin Diesel, Jordana Brewster, producer Neal H. Moritz and Meadow Walker, daughter of late actor Paul Walker.
Released in 2001, The 'Fast & Furious' began as a street-racing crime thriller set in Los Angeles before evolving into one of Hollywood's biggest global action franchises. Over the years, the films introduced stars including Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Charlize Theron and John Cena.
Image Courtesy: Mid-Day
The expansion into television comes even as Universal prepares to conclude the main film saga. The franchise's final movie, reportedly titled 'Fast Forever,' is currently scheduled for release in March 2028. Vin Diesel has previously teased that the concluding chapter could reunite Dominic Toretto with Brian O'Conner, the beloved character played by Paul Walker. This is not the franchise's first move into television. Netflix previously released the animated series 'Fast & Furious' Spy Racers, which ran from 2019 to 2021 and featured Diesel as an executive producer. However, the newly announced Peacock projects will mark the franchise's first large-scale live-action television expansion.
With new streaming series, theme park attractions and a final film still on the horizon, Universal appears determined to ensure that the 'Fast & Furious' franchise continues evolving long after its final race reaches the finish line.
