At the moment the tenth (!) part of the lead foot saga is very successful in the cinemas with “Fast X”. It stars Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jason Statham, Charlize Theron, Brie Larson and Co. facing what is probably the toughest opponent in the entire series – Dante Reyes (Jason Momoa). But the unpredictable, vindictive sociopath isn’t Vin Diesel and Co.’s only problem, as evidenced in the film’s final third.
If you haven’t seen “Fast X” yet, be prepared for spoilers: It turns out that Reacher star Alan Ritchson’s new boss, Aimes, is also a sneaky villain who has been fooling Vin Diesel and his family for a long time! Ritchson, who has repeatedly showcased his impressive physique in Fast X, was only a second choice for the role!
Keanu Reeves had to make Vin Diesel’s life miserable
In conversation with Alan Ritchson has now revealed he wasn’t the first person considered to play Aimes. Instead, they wanted a “John Wick” star for the part Keanu Reeves have, known to have been part of the “Fast & Furious “offshoot”Hobbs and Shawto slip into the role of the great villain. Ritchson had this to say about it:
“It was just luck and good timing. I was working on a movie with Hilary Swank in freezing cold Winnipeg and I got a call that plans had changed with Keanu Reeves, who was originally supposed to play my role. Big footsteps to fill.”
But the air was also getting thinner for Ritchson, so that the role of Aimes almost had to be recast again: “Basically, the agreement was: if there are no problems, we will not close because of COVID or the weather.” , That should work. And about two weeks later, we were told that we are about to be hit by the largest snow storm in Winnipeg history. All production was stopped. It was discouraging. I thought it would be over before it started, but luckily we made it and they were able to reschedule the dates.”
Another shock for Alan Ritchson
But then there were some changes on the set of “Fast X” that messed everything up. Director Justin Lin eventually threw in the towel and was replaced by Louis Leterrier. And here’s where Ritchson should get another real shock: “While I was filming, I got a call from producer Jeff Kirschenbaum and it sounded really quiet. I thought, ‘Oh gosh. Whatever you have to say, just say it. I can handle it.’ He said, “You’re not going to work with Justin Lin.” I was like ‘Okay… Am I still in the movie?’.
Kirschenbaum is said to have laughed at that and explained the whole situation in such a way that they decided to go their separate ways with Justin Lin. So in the end, everything worked out for Alan Ritchson and secured his place in the “Fast” franchise, which he will remain loyal to at least for “Fast 11”. Vin Diesel has now confirmed that part 11 is far from over: