Fast X, the laudable tenth installment in the Fast franchise, appears to have braked hard after cruising at breakneck speeds in the world box office race. The movie’s swift move to premium video on demand (PVOD) platforms a mere three weeks post its theatrical release did little to slow its initial box office momentum. Despite this abrupt transition, the film continued to bolster its impressive box office earnings.
Just a fortnight ago, the film triumphantly surpassed the formidable $700 million dollar threshold. However, recent times have seen Fast X’s progress slowing considerably. Domestic earnings, tallying a modest $145 million, have been rather lackluster in comparison to the franchise’s past successes.
Nonetheless, the film’s international performance has proven to be its saving grace. The franchise’s broad appeal to diverse audiences globally has always yielded exceptional results, and this installment was no different. The current international total stands at an impressive $558.6 million, contributing significantly to the film’s comprehensive gross of $705 million.
Fast X proudly stands shoulder to shoulder with Jurassic World Dominion as one of the few post-pandemic Hollywood films that not only achieved a theatrical release in China but also excelled remarkably. The movie’s earnings in China eclipsed even its U.S. gross, further emphasizing the franchise’s international appeal. Interestingly, the current global total of $705 million does not incorporate the figures from China. In addition to this, the film has also held its ground commendably in other Asian territories, with Japan contributing $27 million to the cumulative total.
A Cliffhanger Ending Shrouded in Uncertainty
Fast X, envisioned as the initial chapter of a three-part finale (originally intended as a duology) to the narrative that originated with 2001’s The Fast and the Furious, pushes the stakes higher than ever before. The plot features Vin Diesel’s Dominic Toretto and his trusted “family” confronting the outlandishly dangerous peacock, Dante, played by Jason Momoa. With a suspenseful cliffhanger ending, the fate of numerous central characters hangs in the balance, with at least one significant player bidding a temporary farewell.
In the yearly global box office standings, the film currently holds the third position. It follows behind The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which boasts a staggering $1.34 billion, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 with a commendable $831 million. However, Fast X is set to face fierce competition from the upcoming Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, which is projected to have a worldwide opening weekend haul of $235 million.
Dead Reckoning, fronted by the fan-favorite Tom Cruise, is predicted to have a sustained presence in the box office charts. With its audience, particularly Cruise enthusiasts, largely being more mature, the film is expected to enjoy a longer theatrical run compared to Fast X. This longevity, prior to its digital release, could offer a significant advantage in the fiercely competitive box office race.
In Conclusion
Fast X, though hitting a temporary slowdown after an initial streak of success, still stands as a testament to the franchise’s enduring appeal. While its domestic performance may have been underwhelming, its international performance continues to power its earnings. In a climate of fierce competition and the evolving patterns of movie consumption, the road ahead is uncertain, but the Fast franchise has repeatedly proven its capacity to defy expectations and overcome hurdles, and Fast X is no exception. Despite the slowdown, the film continues to rev its engine, ready to speed up once again.
