Justin Lin Thinks ‘F9’ Is the Best Movie in the Franchise, Says Ludacris

Chris Bridges, who will reprise his role as Tej Parker in the upcoming F9, told that the director Justin Lin confronted him saying this movie would be the best of the Fast & Furious franchise yet. But alas, he hasn’t gotten the chance to see it to confirm this theory.

In his recent talk with EW, Chris said that after that interaction with Lin, he couldn’t wait to see and decide for himself:

“Justin looked me in my eye twice and said, “Fast 9 is the best out of the entire franchise.” Listen, for him to say that, I can’t wait to see it.”

Chris Bridges

Back in 2003, Ludacris was glorifying his music career through his Grammy-nominated album Word of Mouf. He didn’t have the slightest idea that the role of Tej Parker given to him in 2 Fast 2 Furious, would launch his acting career.

Now, he’s starred in multiple installments of the franchise and has quite become a fan-favorite. He declares:

“I’m the luckiest human being alive. The two top things that everyone in the world wants to do, be a movie star and a rockstar, and I’m actually living it out. It’s surreal for me to even say that.”

Ludacris

He also disclosed that until he watches the supposedly best movie of the franchise, Fast Five is his all-time favorite.

Looks like F9 will continue to elevate the franchise’s absurdity in fun new ways. The trailers revealed that the plot essentially centers on the introduction of Dominic’s long-lost younger brother, Jakob.

Jakob is a deadly assassin and is known to hold a personal vendetta against Dom. He has sided with the crew’s old enemy Cipher.

The end of the first trailer also revealed that somehow, Han (Sung Kang) is back. This raised questions like “How did he survive?“. The teases of going to space and giant magnets also aroused everyone’s curiosity.

The ninth addition to the franchise, F9 will be the first since Fast & Furious 6 (2013) to be directed by Lin. It will also be the first to be not scripted by Chris Morgan since 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003).

Originally scheduled for release in April 2019, it was delayed several times, first due to the series spinoff Hobbs and Shaw and the James Bond flick No Time To Die, and then due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Now, it is finally set to hit the theatres on June 25, 2021, in the US.

Though fandom has differing opinions regarding the “best” movie of the Fast & Furious saga, the ones which usually come up are Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift, Fast Five, and Furious 7.

James Wan’s Furious 7 especially holds a special place in fans’ hearts. It made a touching tribute to late star Paul Walker, by handling Brian O’Connor’s story in the most emotional way possible.

For all we know, Justin Lin won’t be spared of the obvious questions one would ask in the F9 press tour, after Ludacris’s statement. Tight-lipped, we are eagerly awaiting to book our recliner seats and rush to theatres once the movie premieres on June 25!

About Fast and Furious 9

Fast and Furious 9 (or F9) is an American action film directed by Justin Lin. The film is a sequel to 2017’s The Fast and Furious and the ninth instalment in the Fast and Furious franchise.

The film will star Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Nathalie Emmanuel, Helen Mirren and John Cena, among others. The film was delayed for over a year due to the pandemic in March 2020. It is scheduled to release in the United States on June 25, 2021.

Dominic Toretto is leading a quiet life off the grid with Letty and his son, little Brian. But they know that danger always lurks just over their peaceful horizon. This time, the threat will force Dom to confront the sins of his past. His crew joins together to stop a world-shattering plot led by the most skilled assassin and high-performance driver ever seen: a man who also happens to be Dom’s forsaken brother, Jakob.