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

Ludacris is teasing a major finale for the “Fast & Furious” franchise, hinting that the iconic action series will go out 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 “one more Fast and Furious” film to mark the 25-year anniversary of the original movie’s release in 2001.

During an exclusive interview at 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 two big things right now,” the rapper said, referencing both his new music and the upcoming “Fast and Furious” film. Fans can expect the final movie to hit theaters in 2026, possibly around the same time the first 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.”

“A lot of other franchises, they may end, but they don’t really end,” Ludacris told PEOPLE in 2024. “It’s almost like the beginning of something new, so I don’t feel like it’ll ever truly end either, but you never know.”

The “Fast & Furious” franchise has become a cultural phenomenon, known for its high-octane action, thrilling car 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 into a multi-billion-dollar global sensation, with the latest installment, “Fast X,” grossing over $700 million worldwide.

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

In addition to Ludacris, the “Fast & Furious” franchise boasts an ensemble cast that includes 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 in 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 major part of the franchise, though his involvement in future films has been more uncertain.

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

The series has been praised for its groundbreaking portrayal of multiculturalism and its diverse cast, which has helped make the films resonate with audiences worldwide. Its focus on action 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 release window for the final film in the “Fast & Furious” franchise.

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

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

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

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

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

“You will see Brian in the past, you won’t see Brian in the present. It’s something that everybody has to be on board with,” Leterrier said at the time. “The Walker family is still very much a part of this franchise, you’ll see how in this movie. It just has to be the right moment, the right tone.”