CANNES, FRANCE – May 6, 2026 – The 79th Festival de Cannes is set to host an exhilarating cinematic event with a high-octane midnight screening of The Fast and the Furious, the 2001 film that ignited a global phenomenon. This special presentation celebrates the 25th anniversary of the franchise, which has left an indelible mark on cinema history and conquered audiences worldwide.
On Wednesday, May 13, the Grand Théâtre Lumière will reverberate with the unmistakable roar of engines at 11:45 PM, as the classic film tears up the Croisette in spectacular fashion. The exceptional Midnight Screening will be graced by stars Vin Diesel (Dominic Toretto), Jordana Brewster (Mia), producer Neal H. Mortiz, and Meadow Walker, daughter of the late Paul Walker (Brian O’Conner), who will all be in attendance.
Released by Universal Pictures on June 22, 2001, The Fast and the Furious introduced audiences to the thrilling world of Los Angeles street racing. The film, produced by Neal H. Mortiz and directed by Rob Cohen, also starred Michelle Rodriguez as Letty, and quickly became a cinema-changing global sensation.
Over the past 25 years, the Fast & Furious Saga has expanded into Universal’s most profitable and longest-running franchise, grossing over $7 billion U.S. at the worldwide box office across eleven films. The series is renowned for its thrilling and diverse cast, which includes core actors such as Tyrese Gibson (Roman), Chris “Ludacris” Bridges (Tej), Sung Kang (Han), and Nathalie Emmanuel (Ramsey). The franchise has also attracted acclaimed actors like Dwayne Johnson, Gal Gadot, Jason Statham, Eva Mendes, John Cena, Kurt Russell, Jason Momoa, and Academy Award® winners Helen Mirren, Brie Larson, and Charlize Theron.
Initially centered on street racing, the franchise has continuously reinvented itself, delivering mind-blowing car chases and increasingly audacious stunts in exotic locales around the globe. Its enduring success is largely attributed to the deep, familial bond among its unforgettable characters and the strong connection these characters share with a devoted global fanbase.
Beyond the silver screen, The Fast Saga has evolved into a true pop-culture phenomenon, spawning an ever-expanding universe that includes toys, video games, an animated series, and the hit spin-off title Hobbs & Shaw. Looking ahead, Universal has announced a new chapter, Fast Forever, set to race into theaters on March 17, 2028.
By Cem Kaplan
The 79th Festival de Cannes runs from May 12 to May 23, 2026.