The disappointing update on the status of Hobbs & Shaw 2 makes the future of the Fast & Furious franchise uncertain beyond the final installment of The Fast Saga. The 2019 spinoff Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw was warmly received by audiences for its overblown stunts and the odd-couple dynamic between Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham as the title characters. The end credits even set up another outing for the pair, something which felt like a foregone conclusion even before the movie grossed $760 million worldwide. Unfortunately, there's a chance that such a follow-up will never happen.
Producer Kelly McCormick has disappointingly revealed that there is currently no development in motion for Hobbs & Shaw 2, citing Dwayne Johnson's exceptionally busy schedule as the main stumbling block for a sequel. Meanwhile, The Fast Saga is set to conclude with the two-part installments of Fast X and Fast & Furious 11, but Universal has assured audiences that the franchise will continue in other projects. This likely refers to spinoff efforts like the animated series Fast & Furious Spy Racers and more movies featuring Hobbs and Shaw. However, the ongoing delays with Hobbs & Shaw 2 cast doubt on whether Johnson and Jason Statham will indeed continue the franchise.
No Hobbs & Shaw 2 Would Hurt The Future Of The Fast & Furious Franchise
Without any future Hobbs & Shaw spinoffs, the longevity of the Fast & Furious movie franchise looks less promising after the end credits roll on Fast & Furious 11. Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw took what audiences loved about the Fast & Furious franchise and expanded it into a globetrotting spy movie with other unique components not found in the main series. For instance, despite the excesses of the later installments of The Fast Saga, Idris Elba's superhuman villain from Hobbs & Shaw would still have felt out of place alongside Dominic Toretto and his family of street racers and thieves.
Not only that but the concept of a spinoff action movie franchise led by Jason Statham and Dwayne Johnson is a big box office draw. Despite Dwayne Johnson and Vin Diesel's feud, the former was hugely instrumental in making the Fast & Furious franchise into a crossover mainstream hit. Similarly, Statham's arrival in the post-credits sting of Fast & Furious 6 drew wider audience attention to the franchise. With the story of Dom's family coming to an end in the 11th and final movie, and no Hobbs & Shaw 2 on the horizon, it's easy to see how the franchise could struggle to continue without its three biggest draws.
Can The Fast & Furious Franchise's Future Survive Without Hobbs & Shaw 2?
Hobbs & Shaw 2 is the easiest option for continuing the Fast & Furious franchise, but it's not the only possibility available to Universal. Starting a brand-new spinoff franchise to carry on the Fast & Furious legacy would be a tricky prospect, especially as there are only two more movies left in the main series. That's why an eventual Hobbs & Shaw sequel is the most appealing prospect; the characters and actors are well-established in the eyes of audiences.
The best alternative would be a similar spinoff project utilizing existing supporting characters from the franchise. Looking at the recent Fast & Furious movies, John Cena's Jakob Toretto or Charlize Theron's Cipher seem like ideal fits for spinoff movies. The more flawed Toretto brother in search of redemption would neatly mirror Jason Statham's own arc as Deckard Shaw. However, like Johnson, Cena and Theron are very busy with other projects. The demand for Theron, Cena, Statham, and Johnson means that, unfortunately, the continuation of the Fast & Furious franchise will be difficult without Hobbs & Shaw 2.