Vin Diesel returned as Dominic “Dom” Toretto in Fast & Furious, which opened in theaters on April 3 and has grossed $130.6 million in the United States so far.
Diesel, who did not appear in the last two movies of The Fast & The Furious franchise, also served as one of the movie’s producers. He discussed his directorial role in a teleconference interview.
Q: What was your experience as a producer on this film?
A: It was incredible, and Universal (Studios) was so generous to let us shoot in the Dominican Republic. There is a film school there and we were able to use students as crew for the film. It allowed me to shake the direction of movie and be more accountable and invested. It made me raise the bar and do what I can to make others shine.
Q: Did you have any prior production experience?
A: Actually, I started as an independent film director and have been fortunate with success as an actor. I use directing to be available to other stars and make sure they can be helped.
Q: Was this movie better than the others?
A: It was not the best for me, but I did appreciate being able to continue the first movie’s story with integrity. None of the scripts from the past two addressed any character’s story from the first. That is why this one is called Fast & Furious; it goes beyond numbered sequels and continues the storyline. It is all a part of the same story and a true continuation.
Q: How do you feel about the films’ success?
A: The $6 billion worldwide was not expected at first. It just happened and it was a surprise to me. We just wanted the films to be an escape for viewers for two hours. Making million of dollars was not the objective at first.
Q: What was best part of coming back to franchise?
A: The character (Dom Toretto); I wanted the audience to anticipate where he is going and how he matures and changes in the five years that he was away from the movie. I mad sure that the storyline was kept consistent. It factors in those years in the portrayal.I also enjoyed working with the original cast. Having whole cast and restoring relationships from the first movie was mandatory.
- laporsha lowry