Vin Diesel became visibly emotional as he honored his late "Fast & Furious" co-star Paul Walker during a special 25th-anniversary screening of the franchise's debut film. The event took place Monday night at the Director’s Village Theater in Los Angeles, the same venue where the original "The Fast and the Furious" premiered in 2001.
Diesel, alongside producer Neil H. Moritz and co-stars Jordana Brewster and Michelle Rodriguez, introduced the film to the audience. Among those in attendance was Meadow Walker, daughter of Paul Walker, who died in a car crash in 2013.
During an eight-minute speech, Diesel expressed his gratitude to Universal Pictures and teased the franchise's final installment, "Fast Forever," scheduled for release on March 17, 2028. He also spoke about his enduring relationships with co-stars Brewster and Rodriguez, noting how Brewster's children call her "Auntie Jordana" and that Rodriguez is the godmother to his own children.
However, the most poignant moment came when Diesel spoke about Walker. "Twenty five years ago, I was sitting in this room, and I was sitting with Paul Walker," Diesel said, his voice thick with emotion. "If any of you should ever have the blessing to have a brother like Pablo, it is the greatest gift God could bestow upon you. So watch this movie, and see where this eternal brotherhood started in every frame."
To commemorate the milestone, the franchise's original Dodge Charger and an orange Toyota Supra were displayed outside the theater. The celebration of the "Fast & Furious" legacy is set to continue this summer with the opening of a new attraction, "Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift," at Universal Studios.
Meadow Walker was also seen at the screening, continuing the presence of Paul Walker's family within the franchise's ongoing narrative and events.