Fans React to This 2001 Action Hit Speeding to Cannes for Anniversary Screening
One film to rule them all.
The Fast and the Furious has spawned a number of hit sequels ever since it premiered 25 years ago - but some die-hards will always return to the original as their favorite.
It's no wonder, then, that fans are bursting with excitement that the first installment in the beloved Universal Pictures franchise is now heading to this year's Cannes Film Festival for a special midnight screening in honor of the 25-year milestone.
Added to that, stars Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster will be in attendance to help commemorate the anniversary - which is bittersweet, of course, since the film's true lead tragically died 13 years ago.
To honor Paul Walker's legacy, his daughter Meadow Walker will also grace the screening. Check out Universal's Instagram announcement on Wednesday, May 6 below for additional details.
Fans have already flooded the post's comments section to express their excitement and appreciation for both The Fast and the Furious and the franchise as a whole. "Omg, there are no words to describe how much i love this saga! and even more so, how excited i am. OHH 🥹💓," wrote one Instagram user, while another person commented, "👏👏How cool, congratulations to everyone! ❤️"
Ever since the first film debuted in 2001, the cast has expanded to include other big names such as:
- Dwayne Johnson
- Gal Gadot
- Jason Statham
- Helen Mirren
- Tyrese Gibson
- Brie Larson
- John Cena
- Charlize Theron
- Kurt Russell
- Eva Mendes
- Jason Momoa
In 2021, F9, the ninth installment in the high-octane series, premiered at the festival, as Deadline pointed out Wednesday. Plus, Universal's independent label Focus has debuted a number of movies at Cannes - and two years ago, the studio's chair and chief content officer Donna Langley was there to receive Kering's Women in Motion Award.
Earlier this year, Universal announced that a new chapter in the Diesel-led saga, "Fast Forever, will hit theaters on March 17, 2028, Variety reports.
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This story was originally published May 6, 2026 at 3:10 PM.