It’s all about the Benjamins for Ludacris and his on-screen family!
The rapper-turned-screen-star answered the continued call from moviegoers who are fed up with the “Fast & Furious” franchise after the release of the main series’ tenth episode, “Fast X.” He revealed that there’s a completely normal reason why the project has been going on for so long and won’t be backing down anytime soon, and that’s money.
Ludacris credited the huge profits from the ‘Fast & Furious’ movies for his continued production
Since the franchise’s inception in 2001, the “Fast & Furious” series has been a staple action genre for moviegoers. However, the show’s stunts have grown increasingly bizarre, prompting fans and critics alike to question the ridiculousness and demand an end to it.
Now one of the franchise’s main characters, Ludacris – whose real name is Christopher Brian Bridges – has shared why they won’t give in to the screams of the public just yet. During an appearance on Showtime’s “All The Smoke” podcastthe rapper said the films, including ten in the regular series and a 2017 spin-off, have grossed “billions of dollars” over a span of two decades.
Speaking to hosts Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes, the ‘End of the Road’ star said: “I hear people say all the time, ‘Why do you keep making these movies? This is the dumbest question in the world; I will tell you why. Because no matter what industry we work in – podcasts, music, movies – it’s all about results.
The “Blueberry Yum Yum” rapper said it’s all about the amount spent versus the amount earned, dramatically adding, “We’re making billions of dollars.” After saying he’s “not trying to brag”, Luda – as fans affectionately call him – then clarified:
“When some of you keep saying, ‘Why do you keep making these movies? Let me tell you why. Because if you’re spending 200 million and you’re making a billion, who the hell are you going to tell to stop making movies when you’re making 800 million?
The “One Minute Man” artist concluded by encouraging viewers to “stop asking that fucking question.” The record producer’s take on the franchise’s profit margin can be seen in the recent hit “Fast X,” which raked in $319 million for its opening weekend.
By the explosionthis figure exceeds its previous record of $70 million for “F9: The Fast Saga”, which premiered in June 2021. While we wait to see what “Fast X” will ultimately bring in, it’s worth noting that the action series peaked in 2015 following the release of “Furious 7,” grossing $1.515 billion worldwide.
On the other hand, the franchise’s rating continued to decline, with its latest installment earning 54% reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, while “F9” was rated at 59%. Again, “Furious 7” comes out on top with a relatively high critics score of 81%.
The late Paul Walker’s only child made his acting debut in ‘Fast X’
After the tragic death of her father, Paul Walker in 2013, Meadow became the last person to join the “Fast & Furious” family. The beloved actor’s only daughter joined the franchise as a flight attendant who helps Jakob Toretto and ‘Little B’ escape a plane in ‘Fast X.’
With this development, three of the show’s most important protagonists – Vin Diesel, Jordana Brewster and Michelle Rodriguez – had more than enough to discuss during the Charlize Theron Africa 2023 outreach project. [CTAOP] Block Party. Speaking excitedly about seeing the 24-year-old on set, Diesel expressed:
“It did something to my soul to see her wanting to honor her father and contribute in her own way to his life’s work… It meant everything.”
While gushing over the model’s talents, Brewster claimed Meadow was now “woven into the fabric forever”. The 43-year-old further pointed out that it was “inspiring” to see Paul’s daughter working “her butt” on set. Prior to that, Rodriguez had focused on her late friend – who played Brian O’Conner, detailing:
“That’s it for us because [Paul’s] memory will never die within the franchise, so as long as we do, we must maintain it, [keeping his] living energy.