At San Diego Comic-Con, Sung Kang—beloved as Han in the Fast & Furious saga—dropped a bombshell that’s got fans buzzing. In an exclusive interview with ShowtimeSpot, the actor admitted the blockbuster franchise has, in his words, “lost our way.” But he’s not just pointing fingers; he’s got a plan to steer the series back on track, inspired by his gritty new indie film, Drifter.
Kang, who’s been part of the Fast family since 2006’s Tokyo Drift, didn’t hold back. “We’ve gotten so big, so spectacle-driven, that I think we forgot what made people fall in love with these movies in the first place,” he said. “It was about family, about the streets, about real stakes. Now it’s about saving the world from submarines and satellites. We lost our way.”
The actor’s honesty is refreshing, especially as the franchise gears up for its final installment. But Kang believes the answer lies in a smaller, more intimate project: Drifter, a passion project he’s been developing for years. The film, which he describes as a “raw, character-driven drama about a man trying to find his place in the world,” is a far cry from the multi-million-dollar set pieces of Fast X.
“Drifter reminded me why I love storytelling,” Kang explained. “It’s about emotion, about connection. I want to bring that back to the final Fast movie. We need to strip away the noise and get back to the core: these characters, their relationships, their struggles.”
Fans have long debated the franchise’s evolution from street-racing heists to globe-trotting spy adventures. While some enjoy the over-the-top action, others—like Kang—miss the grounded grit of the early films. His comments echo a sentiment that’s been growing among the fanbase, especially after Fast X’s mixed reception.
Kang’s role in Drifter isn’t just in front of the camera; he’s also producing and co-writing the script. The project has been a labor of love for years, and he hopes its success will influence the direction of the Fast & Furious finale. “I’m not saying we need to go back to street racing only,” he clarified. “But we need to remember the heart. The family. The reason we all showed up.”
Meanwhile, the Fast & Furious franchise continues to dominate streaming platforms. Vin Diesel's Fast & Furious Franchise Dominates HBO Max in July 2026, proving the audience is still there. But Kang’s challenge is to make them care again on a deeper level.
As for Drifter, Kang is shopping the project to studios and hopes to start production next year. “It’s a small film, but it’s got a big heart,” he said. “And if it can help remind us all—including me—what we’re really doing this for, then it’s worth it.”
With the final Fast movie on the horizon, Kang’s words carry weight. Will the franchise listen to one of its most iconic stars? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: Han isn’t done fighting for the soul of the saga.
