“The Fast and the Furious ”Celebrates 25th Anniversary 12 Years After Paul Walker's Death
“The Fast and the Furious ”Celebrates 25th Anniversary 12 Years After Paul Walker's Death
Staff AuthorTue, June 23, 2026 at 8:35 PM UTC
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The Fast And The Furious, Vin Diesel, Paul WalkerCredit: Moviestore/Shutterstock -
The Fast and the Furious franchise celebrates 25 years since it first raced into theaters on June 22, 2001
The first movie introduced audiences to undercover LAPD officer Brian O'Conner, played by Paul Walker, who infiltrates the world of illegal street racing in Los Angeles
A special anniversary screening at Cannes will reunite stars including Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster, along with producer Neal H. Moritz and Walker's daughter Meadow Walker
The Fast & Furious franchise is hitting a major milestone, with the original film celebrating 25 years since it first raced into theaters on June 22, 2001.
The first movie — The Fast and the Furious — introduced audiences to undercover LAPD officer Brian O'Conner, played by the late Paul Walker, who infiltrates the world of illegal street racing in Los Angeles. His target? Dominic Toretto, the charismatic and elusive crew leader portrayed by Vin Diesel.
As the film unfolds, Brian forms deep bonds with Dom's crew, including his sister Mia (Jordana Brewster) and racer Letty (Michelle Rodriguez).
Matt Shulze, Michelle Rodriguez, Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster The Fast and The Furious - 2001Credit: Bob Marshak/Original/Kobal/Shutterstock
The film ultimately expanded into a billion-dollar juggernaut, spanning multiple sequels including 2 Fast 2 Furious, Fast & Furious, Fast Five, and beyond, as well as the spinoff Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, starring Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham.
The series also inspired video games, merchandise, theme park attractions and an animated series.
The film's milestone anniversary was marked on the global stage, with a special midnight screening taking place on Wednesday, May 13, at the Grand Lumière Theatre at the Cannes Film Festival.
The event brought cast members including Diesel, Rodriguez, Brewster, and producer Neal H. Moritz and included a highly emotional tribute to the late Walker, who died in a single-car collision alongside his friend Roger Rodas in Santa Clarita, Calif., on Nov. 30, 2013.
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"The person who was not going to let me come alone here to represent that brotherhood was Meadow Walker," Diesel said of the cast's close bond while addressing the crowd alongside Paul's daughter, Meadow, adding: "I'm gonna go and shed a tear real quick."
After the credits rolled, Meadow, 27, delivered her own speech alongside Diesel, who told her that Paul would be "so proud" of her as he wiped away tears.
Back in 2024, several of his Furious co-stars marked the anniversary of his death, with Brewer writing on Instagram, "I woke up so edgy today. Annoyed by EVERY. Little. Thing. Then I remembered. My stomach dropped. Someone isn't here who should be. The one that lifted up everyone around him. The one who worked his ass off but didn't let it show. The one with grace and humor."
"#11years Miss you forever @paulwalker," the actress continued, adding of Walker's daughter: "@meadowwalker is carrying on your legacy through her beauty and strength."
Diesel also penned a tribute for Paul on Instagram. "Eleven years, today … Some bonds truly never break. Grateful for that eternal brotherhood. Love and miss you," he captioned a photo of the pair together.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
