Jordana Brewster Calls for More Agency for Mia Toretto and a Return to Practical Effects

On the Cannes promenade, Jordana Brewster joined original cast members Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and Paul Walker’s daughter Meadow for the 25th-anniversary screening of “The Fast and the Furious.” Brewster described the event as “the largest red carpet of my life” and said she felt “so comfortable” while dancing with her co-stars. The screening marked a quarter-century of the franchise’s presence on the global stage.

Variety Magazine

The series has spanned 25 years, delivering seven films in which Brewster has portrayed Mia Toretto. Over that period the franchise expanded its scale, culminating in an announced 11th installment titled “Fast Forever,” which industry reports describe as the final chapter. Brewster confirmed she will return for that film, indicating the series is poised to close after more than two decades of releases.

Variety Magazine

In a post-screening interview with Variety’s Angelique Jackson, Brewster said her priority for the concluding film is to restore agency to Mia, a character she feels has become increasingly passive. She emphasized that Mia should “drive her story” rather than merely react to surrounding events. Brewster also expressed a preference for practical stunt work, noting that earlier installments relied on real-world driving and on-set action, which she believes adds precision and authenticity. She also expressed interest in portraying Mia navigating the challenges of raising teenage sons, describing it as “hard” but compelling.

Variety Magazine

Brewster criticized the franchise’s recent reliance on green-screen and computer-generated imagery, describing it as “inorganic” and “cheating” compared with practical set pieces. She argued that the series “lost nuance” as the movies grew larger and more VFX-driven, reducing the tactile quality of stunts. Brewster contrasted this trend with the original film’s practical driving sequences, which she said allowed the crew to “lean out of the car” and fostered a more immediate sense of danger.

Variety Magazine

• “Mia gradually became more and more passive. I want her to drive her story and not react to everything else around her. Agency, that’s my biggest wish.” — Jordana Brewster, Actress

Variety Magazine

• “It was fun to shoot it more practically. You don’t have to make up the adrenaline. There is something inorganic about being in front of a green screen. It’s like, the mountain is this way! It’s kind of cheating. There is a level of precision [when it’s practical]. It’s also fun with the crew because they’re leaning out of the car with us.” — Jordana Brewster, Actress

Variety Magazine

• “I could rely on him. He loved driving. He was obsessed with cars. He knew how to make things look really cool,” — Jordana Brewster, Actress

Variety Magazine

• “There is something so hard about parenting boys,” — Jordana Brewster, Actress

Variety Magazine

The franchise’s 11th film, “Fast Forever,” is slated as the series’ concluding chapter. Brewster has confirmed she will reprise Mia, and she hopes the final installment will showcase the restored agency she has advocated for.

Variety Magazine