The Fast & Furious franchise has always been about family — and in Fast X, that family extends beyond the living. Vin Diesel’s on-screen nephew carries a name that echoes the franchise’s most beloved missing member, while a villain played by Jason Momoa threatens to tear everything apart. With the 2023 film’s $704M box office haul, the series proved it can still deliver spectacle and sentiment in equal measure.

Box Office: $704M · Lead Actor: Vin Diesel as Dominic Toretto · Director: Louis Leterrier · Key Returnees: Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris · Special Role: Leo Abelo Perry as Little Brian

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Fast X earned $704M worldwide (Wikipedia)
  • Vin Diesel leads as Dominic Toretto (Wikipedia)
  • Louis Leterrier directed the film (Wikipedia)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact production timeline for Fast X Part 2
  • Full confirmed cast for April 2027 sequel
  • Whether CGI Brian will be central or cameo
3Timeline signal
  • Paul Walker died during Furious 7 production in 2013 (Collider)
  • Leo Abelo Perry cast in 2022 (age 10) (SYFY Wire)
  • Fast X Part 2 announced for April 2027 (Comic Book Movie)
4What’s next
  • Fast X Part 2 bringing Brian O’Conner back via CGI (Comic Book Movie)
  • Vin Diesel confirmed return to LA roots (Comic Book Movie)
  • Franchise likely continues beyond Part 2 (Comic Book Movie)

How is Paul Walker in Fast X?

Paul Walker’s Brian O’Conner doesn’t appear in any new footage for Fast X. The character shows up only in brief flashback sequences woven throughout the narrative, preserving the emotional resonance without retreading ground already covered in Furious 7.

Paul Walker’s Legacy

Walker’s death during Furious 7 production in 2013 forced the franchise to find creative ways to honor his memory. His brothers Caleb and Cody Walker stepped in to complete remaining scenes using CGI, allowing Brian O’Conner to receive a proper farewell on screen.

  • Brian O’Conner parts ways with Dom in Furious 7 to prioritize family life
  • Paul Walker’s final scenes completed with brothers using digital technology
  • Character referenced as safe with his own family throughout Fast X

Tributes and Cameos

Vin Diesel paid direct tribute to Paul Walker ahead of Fast X’s release, publicly emphasizing Brian O’Conner’s enduring importance to the franchise. Beyond the flashbacks, Paul Walker’s daughter Meadow Walker appears as a flight attendant who assists Jakob during key sequences — a quiet nod that connects the legacy to the present-day action.

“I couldn’t imagine this saga ending without truly saying goodbye to Brian O’Conner.”

— Vin Diesel, Actor/Producer

Who is playing as Brian in Fast X?

Leo Abelo Perry portrays Brian “Little B” Marcos in Fast X, the young son of Dominic Toretto and the late Elena Neves. The character’s full name honors Brian O’Conner directly, making him a living tribute within the story itself.

Leo Abelo Perry as Little Brian

Casting for the slightly older Brian Marcos was announced before the film’s release, with Leo Abelo Perry taking over the role from the twin actors Isaac and Immanuel Holtane who portrayed the character in F9. Perry was 10 years old at the time of casting announcement and had previously appeared in Cheaper by the Dozen, Black-ish, and Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration.

  • Brian Marcos first appeared as an infant in Fate of the Furious (2017)
  • Character introduced after Elena Neves’ on-screen death
  • Perry’s previous credits include mainstream family entertainment

Brian O’Conner Role

The Brian O’Conner who appears in Fast X exists purely in flashback — archive footage from earlier films, reassembled into brief moments that carry emotional weight. Unlike the Furious 7 send-off, there are no new scenes featuring the character or any CGI recreation. The role functions as memory rather than active presence.

The catch

Brian O’Conner isn’t physically in Fast X’s main plot — he’s only referenced and shown in flashbacks. This means Dom’s family potentially joining Brian’s safe location creates a plot point the film never fully resolves.

Will there be part 2 of Fast X?

Yes. Fast X Part 2 is officially in development with a planned release for April 2027, according to announcements Vin Diesel made at Fuel Fest. The sequel will return to Los Angeles street racing roots, and Diesel has confirmed Brian O’Conner will somehow return to the franchise.

Fast X: Part 2 Details

Vin Diesel announced at Fuel Fest that Brian O’Conner will return in Fast X Part 2, likely using the same approach from Furious 7 — combining CGI with the actor’s brothers Caleb and Cody Walker, who have previously stepped in to complete scenes. The confirmed release month is April 2027.

  • Sequel announced at Fuel Fest with LA street racing focus
  • Brian O’Conner return method similar to Furious 7 approach
  • April 2027 release month confirmed by Diesel

Announced Cast and Crew

While full cast details for Part 2 remain unclear as of now, Vin Diesel’s return is confirmed. The creative team beyond Louis Leterrier hasn’t been officially announced, leaving questions about whether Justin Lin — who departed the director’s chair before Fast X’s release — might return for the sequel.

Why this matters

The franchise has committed to bringing Brian back one final time, suggesting Part 2 may serve as an explicit bookend to the Brian O’Conner storyline that began in 2001 with The Fast and the Furious.

Did Vin Diesel and Paul Walker get along?

By all accounts, yes. The on-screen partnership between Vin Diesel’s Dom and Paul Walker’s Brian translated into a genuine friendship off-set. Diesel’s public tributes before and after Walker’s death have been consistently emotional, framing their bond as something that shaped both the franchise and his personal life.

Their Friendship

Vin Diesel’s public statements about Paul Walker have consistently emphasized their friendship beyond professional collaboration. Diesel’s tribute ahead of Fast X’s release highlighted Brian O’Conner’s importance, characterizing the relationship as central to what made the franchise work.

  • Diesel described not being able to imagine the saga ending without saying goodbye to Brian
  • Walker’s death during Furious 7 production reportedly affected Diesel deeply
  • Their partnership defined the franchise’s core dynamic for its first decade

Vin Diesel Reminiscences

Beyond promotional material, Diesel has spoken in interviews about how Walker’s presence continued to shape his approach to the role even years after the actor’s death. The decision to keep Brian O’Conner alive offscreen — referenced as safe with his family — reflects a desire to preserve the character’s peaceful ending while still honoring the ongoing story.

“[Dom] has fought so hard to keep faith and protect family [but] there is a price to pay. His enemies are coming after him.”

— Louis Leterrier, Director

Main Cast of Fast X

The core ensemble remains largely intact from previous installments, with key returning faces and one major addition to the villain roster. The cast mixes franchise veterans with newcomers designed to refresh the formula.

Vin Diesel

Dominic Toretto remains the franchise’s anchor, with Vin Diesel leading an ensemble that has grown across ten films. Diesel’s character faces the accumulated consequences of his choices as villain Dante Reyes targets everything he’s built.

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez returns as Letty Ortiz, Dom’s partner whose memory and loyalty have been core to the series since the beginning. Rodriguez has been with the franchise since the 2001 original, making her one of the longest-tenured cast members.

John Cena

John Cena portrays Jakob Toretto, Dom and Mia’s estranged brother who reformed in F9 and now finds himself tasked with protecting Little Brian Marcos during the film’s events. Cena first appeared as Jakob in F9 (2021) and reprised the role in Fast X.

Tyrese Gibson

Tyrese Gibson has played Roman Pearce since 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003), providing comic relief and action as Dom’s longtime friend. Gibson’s presence spans nearly the entire franchise run.

Ludacris

Ludacris rounds out the core group as Tej Parker, the tech expert who handles the team’s digital and mechanical needs. Like Gibson, Ludacris has been present since the franchise’s early installments.

The upshot

The franchise balances nostalgia with new blood — Jason Momoa’s villain Dante Reyes represents a genuine threat upgrade, while the Little Brian storyline gives the returning cast something personal to fight for beyond just the team.

Upsides

  • Strong $704M worldwide box office proves franchise vitality
  • Meaningful Paul Walker tributes woven into narrative
  • John Cena’s Jakob provides family connection to new generation
  • Leo Abelo Perry’s Little B honors legacy with fresh perspective

Downsides

  • Paul Walker appears only in flashbacks, no new footage
  • Brian O’Conner “safe” reference creates unresolved plot point
  • Justin Lin departure left creative questions unanswered
  • Full Part 2 cast remains largely unconfirmed

The table below consolidates key Fast X details for quick reference.

Detail Value
Release Year 2023
Director Louis Leterrier
Worldwide Gross $704M
Key Newcomer Jason Momoa
Paul Walker Status Flashback appearances only
Jakob Toretto Actor John Cena
Little Brian Actor Leo Abelo Perry
Sequel Release April 2027 (planned)

Related reading: Cast of the Hunger Games 2 – Full List and Key Actors · Cast of Knives Out 2: Glass Onion Actors and Characters

Fast X continues the franchise legacy with Vin Diesel leading, while the Dutch overview of Fast X cast details familiar faces and new additions like Jason Momoa.

Frequently asked questions

Is Fast X flop or hit?

Fast X is firmly a hit. The film earned $704M worldwide against its substantial budget, demonstrating the franchise’s continued commercial strength despite mixed critical reviews.

Was Vin Diesel’s son in F9?

Vin Diesel’s actual son hasn’t appeared in the films. The character Little Brian (Brian Marcos) is Dom’s son with Elena Neves, portrayed by twin actors in F9 and Leo Abelo Perry in Fast X.

Why did Justin Lin leave Fast X?

Justin Lin departed as director before Fast X’s release, with Louis Leterrier stepping in to complete the film. Specific reasons weren’t publicly detailed, though the switch generated industry discussion about production challenges.

Who is the most paid actor in Fast and Furious?

Vin Diesel typically commands the highest salary in the franchise, though exact figures aren’t publicly confirmed. The cast includes several high-profile performers whose individual quotes vary by film.

What is the biggest flop in film history?

This varies by accounting method, but films like The Lone Ranger (2013) and John Carter (2012) frequently appear on lists of the biggest theatrical flops relative to their budgets and marketing costs.

Is John Cena in Fast X?

Yes. John Cena portrays Jakob Toretto in Fast X, reprising the role from F9 (2021). His character is tasked with protecting Little Brian Marcos throughout the film.

Who plays the kid in Fast X?

Leo Abelo Perry plays Brian ‘Little B’ Marcos, Dom’s son named in honor of Brian O’Conner. Perry was cast as a slightly older version of the character following twin actors in F9.

Summary

Fast X navigates the tricky territory of honoring Paul Walker’s legacy while moving the franchise forward. The $704M box office performance confirms audiences still care about Dom’s family, even if Brian O’Conner appears only as memory rather than active presence. Vin Diesel’s Toretto faces personal stakes — Little Brian carries a name that echoes the franchise’s moral core, and protecting him gives returning cast members a reason that goes beyond loyalty to the crew. Whether the April 2027 sequel delivers a proper Brian farewell remains to be seen, but the groundwork is unmistakably being laid.