Prior to its US release on June 25, the ninth main instalment in the “Fast & Furious” film series, “F9,” which is due to show at the 74th Cannes Film Festival, is already blowing up the global box office (via Indiewire). In 2001, this could have seemed impossible.
Another example of the franchise’s exceptional longevity is the ninth chapter’s success. It’s also a fantastic addition to the series’ lead actors, whose iconic roles have served as the centre of the films for 20 years.
Along with actors like Vin Diesel and Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez made her film debut in the first episode of the “Fast and the Furious” franchise. She has subsequently participated in a number of subsequent episodes.
Rodriguez might have been a doctor if her family had their way. The native of Jersey City, who had dropped out of high school, made the decision to pursue acting instead. She made her Hollywood start in a B-movie actioner starring Paul Walker and Vin Diesel before going on to become the head of one of the most close-knit families in cinematic history.
Rodriguez rose to fame as a result of the success of the Fast and the Furious film franchise. but almost gave up when she objected to how her character was being developed in the story.
The plot was conceived of by the film’s creators in an entirely different way. In the film’s original draught, Letty was depicted as having an affair with Brian, the late Paul Walker’s character, instead of Dom. Essentially, it was going to be a love triangle. Michele protested this.
When she first heard the news, Michelle allegedly cried and asked the writers to stop, according to a statement she made in an interview. Additionally, Michelle affirmed that she would not portray a sl*t in front of millions of viewers. She was ready to deal with any repercussions or legal action at the time.
The concept was more akin to “Point Break” Without considering the implications, they simply adhered to the framework, according to Rodriguez. Is it reasonable for a Latina who is dating the most dominant male in the world to have an extramarital affair with the attractive boy? she asked. I had to insist on something.
In addition to not thinking the story was realistic, Rodriguez didn’t like the idea of playing a character who was a cheater. She remembered giving the movie’s producers a choice: either the plot would be changed, or she would abandon the endeavour. Fortunately, a cast member was able to assist her.
“I literally cried and pleaded, ‘Don’t sue me, please — I’m sorry, but I can’t do this in front of millions of people,'” she said to the Daily Beast in 2017. The reason I became an actress was because I believed I was living my dream. I don’t even imagine myself as a sl*t! Do you?!”