Fast & Furious Villain Trope: Has It Become Stale Or Essential?

Fast & Furious Tackles Its Long-standing Villain Trope In Fast X, Raising Questions About Its Relevance And Impact On The Franchise.

By Akshay Sharma
June 1,2023
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Fast & Furious has been known for its recurring trope of villains eventually becoming part of Dom Toretto’s family. Fast X, the latest installment, cleverly addresses this long-standing issue by hilariously pointing out the trend and bringing it into the storyline.

Villains Joining Dom’s Family: A Running Theme

Dom Toretto

Throughout the Fast & Furious franchise, we have witnessed numerous antagonists who initially oppose Dom Toretto and his crew eventually joining forces with them. The movie playfully highlights this pattern, referencing how authorities like Brian O’Conner, Elena Neves, and Luke Hobbs have all become part of Dom’s family, despite their original intentions to capture or stop them.

Continuing The Villain Trope: From Shaw Brothers To Cipher

Shaw Brothers

Fast X continues the trend by showcasing characters like Deckard Shaw, Owen Shaw, and Jakob Toretto transitioning from formidable adversaries to integral members of Dom’s crew. Deckard Shaw, who once seemed responsible for Han’s death, ends up joining the team in The Fate of the Furious, along with other villains-turned-allies. The movie further solidifies this theme as Cipher, the main antagonist in previous films, aligns herself with Dom and his family in Fast X.

The Future Of The Fast Saga

Fast Saga

While Fast X still follows the villain trope, it introduces Dante Reyes as a refreshing change. Unlike previous villains who eventually find redemption, Dante is portrayed as an irredeemable antagonist. The movie’s cliffhanger ending sets the stage for Fast & Furious 11, hinting at a grand showdown between the entire ensemble cast and Dante Reyes. This upcoming film promises to be a culmination of the Fast Saga, similar to Avengers: Endgame, with all characters joining forces to face the definitive antagonist.

The Fast & Furious franchise acknowledges and embraces its recurring villain trope in Fast X, introducing a new dynamic to the series while continuing to entertain audiences with high-octane action and unexpected twists.

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