Ludacris Teases Upcoming Projects And The End Of One Iconic Movie Franchise

Ludacris is teasing a significant finale for the “Fast & Furious” franchise, hinting that the long-lasting motion series will exit with a bang next summer.

Ludacris, who has played the fan-favorite character Tej Parker since 2003’s “2 Fast 2 Furious,” revealed that he’s already working on “another Fast and Furious” film to mark the 25-year anniversary of the unique movie’s release in 2001.

During an exclusive interview on the Waymo x Uber event, the rapper, actor, and “Fast & Furious” star spoke with PEOPLE about his upcoming projects and what fans can expect from the beloved franchise.

“So those are the 2 big things right away,” the rapper said, referencing each his recent music and the upcoming “Fast and Furious” film. Fans can expect the ultimate movie to hit theaters in 2026, possibly around the identical time the primary film debuted in June 2001.

Although the actor has hinted at a grand conclusion to the series, he also acknowledged that the “Fast & Furious” franchise may not truly “end.”

“Plenty of other franchises, they might end, but they do not really end,” Ludacris told PEOPLE in 2024. “It’s almost like the start of something recent, so I do not feel prefer it’ll ever truly end either, but you never know.”

The “Fast & Furious” franchise has develop into a cultural phenomenon, known for its high-octane motion, thrilling automotive chases, and the themes of family and loyalty that run through its plotlines.

The franchise originally kicked off with “The Fast and the Furious” in 2001, starring Vin Diesel as Dom Toretto and Paul Walker as Brian O’Conner. The series has since evolved right into a multi-billion-dollar global sensation, with the newest installment, “Fast X,” grossing over $700 million worldwide.

This success has made it considered one of the highest-grossing film franchises of all time.

Along with Ludacris, the “Fast & Furious” franchise boasts an ensemble forged that features Michelle Rodriguez (Letty Ortiz), Tyrese Gibson (Roman Pearce), Jordana Brewster (Mia Toretto), and the late Paul Walker. The late actor’s performance as Brian O’Conner became iconic within the series, and his tragic death in 2013 led to an emotional send-off in “Furious 7.”

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who joined the series in “Fast Five”, also became a significant a part of the franchise, though his involvement in future movies has been more uncertain.

“Fast & Furious” has garnered quite a few accolades, including MTV Movie + TV Awards, Teen Selection Awards, and a People’s Selection Award.

The series has been praised for its groundbreaking portrayal of multiculturalism and its diverse forged, which has helped make the movies resonate with audiences worldwide. Its give attention to motion and adrenaline-pumping stunts, combined with heartfelt moments about family, has made it a fan favorite.

Vin Diesel recently stunned fans at FuelFest in Southern California by revealing the discharge window for the ultimate film within the “Fast & Furious” franchise.

The action-packed saga is about to conclude in April 2027, and, based on Deadline, Diesel confirmed that the film might be set in Los Angeles, bringing the series back to its roots.

Diesel has previously used social media to advocate for the discharge of “Fast X 2,” the sequel to 2023’s “Fast X,” which grossed over $700 million globally.

The sequel has been touted as the ultimate chapter within the franchise, offering an emotional conclusion to the “Fast & Furious” saga that began in 2001.

Walker, who tragically passed away in 2013 on the age of 40 following a automotive crash, had appeared alongside Diesel in five installments of the series.

Last 12 months, director Louis Leterrier spoke with Total Film, teasing Brian’s return.

“You will note Brian prior to now, you will not see Brian in the current. It’s something that everyone must be on board with,” Leterrier said on the time. “The Walker family continues to be very much an element of this franchise, you will see how on this movie. It just must be the correct moment, the correct tone.”