As a die-hard fan of both fast cars and hip-hop music, I can’t help but ponder what could have been if Eminem had joined the Fast & Furious franchise. With his extraordinary talent and love for high-performance vehicles, he would have undoubtedly brought an electrifying energy to the series.
Marshall Bruce Mathers III, commonly known as Eminem, is renowned for his rapid-fire rapping (clocked at around 7.5 words per second by Guinness World Records). If circumstances had been different, he might have been speeding on the roads instead of rhymes. In the year 1998, an article titled “Racer X” by Ken Li was published in Vibe magazine, exposing an underground street racing scene in New York City. This story piqued the interest of Hollywood, leading David Ayer and Rob Cohen, a director known for his resilience, to shape the action-packed drama with genuine human connections and characterizations that hit the right notes.
In a possible rephrase,
Eminem Chose to Make His Semi-Biographical Film, ‘8 Mile,’ Instead
According to CBS, Eminem was unable to appear in The Fast and the Furious because he had another project underway – the semi-autobiographical film 8 Mile. In this movie, Eminem portrays Detroit’s Jimmy Smith Jr., also known as B-Rabbit, who is trying to break into the Hip Hop industry.
Despite my apprehensions about the dominance of black rappers in the genre, I persist, fueled by the conviction that there lies a dormant burst of talent within me, ready to be sparked.
The title of the film is based on 8 Mile Road, which separates Detroit, a predominantly black city, from its northern, mainly white-populated suburbs. Filled with memorable rap conflicts and poignant personal episodes, this movie serves as an exceptional tribute to the resilience that arises when one seeks their life’s meaning, and showcases both the benefits and challenges of pursuing one’s dreams.
As a die-hard film enthusiast, I can’t help but wonder about the path not taken by Eminem. If he had decided to embody Brian in that blockbuster franchise, his career would have soared to unprecedented heights. With billions at stake, his acting portfolio would have been significantly enriched, showcasing him as more than just a renowned rapper. To this day, 8 Mile remains the only major motion picture or television production in which Eminem has starred in a lead role. His other appearances were limited to cameos. Had he climbed behind the wheel of Brian’s Nissan Skyline GT-R R34, an array of acting opportunities would have materialized, and today, Eminem would be recognized as both a legendary rapper and a globally acclaimed movie star.
Even though Eminem might feel a sense of disappointment for a missed opportunity, it’s highly unlikely that he would berate himself over it. With his status as one of the top-selling music artists globally – boasting estimated sales exceeding 220 million records – money isn’t an issue for him. Moreover, he held the title as America’s best-selling artist in the 2000s and ranked third among the best-selling artists in the 2010s.
8 Mile’s success not only validated Eminem’s decision, but its intricate and unassuming plot structure provided a strong foundation for the film’s events, much like a blueprint for a building. Eminem seamlessly slots into this design with a diverse array of raps and outbursts. Additionally, the movie earned him an Oscar (for Best Original Song with “Lose Yourself”), which The Fast and the Furious franchise could never achieve. To add to its accolades, 8 Mile also generated higher revenue, totaling $242.9 million worldwide, significantly surpassing The Fast and the Furious’s earnings of $207 million.
How the ‘Fast & Furious’ Franchise Might Have Looked Like with Eminem
Wondering how the Fast & Furious series might have evolved if Eminem had been cast? Two main scenarios could be considered. Primarily, with his immense celebrity status, the franchise could have grown even more massive. More crucially, Eminem is an automobile enthusiast, which makes him a natural fit for the role. As GQ reports, his car collection boasts vehicles like the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, Lamborghini Aventador, and Ferrari 599 GTO, among others.
In another scenario, the sequel could have been quite unsettling. It’s likely that the franchise would have faltered following the initial release due to Eminem’s potential lack of involvement. With his hectic schedule as a rapper, it seems plausible that he might not have found the time or interest for a second film. Considering Marshall Mathers’ preference for self-management and his artistic prowess being closely linked with studio work, consistently being on set could have presented a significant challenge.
It’s worth noting that his filmography after 8 Mile suggests he isn’t very interested in acting. Combine this with Vin Diesel declining to return for the role, and we have a significant issue. Since both Diesel and Eminem were essential characters, Universal might have decided to end the series if they couldn’t find a replacement for either Brian or Dom. Consequently, there would be no Fast & Furious 8, 9, 10, and so forth.
Musicians Are a Major Part of the ‘Fast & Furious’ Franchise
The Fast & Furious series may not have benefited from Eminem’s talent, but it has nonetheless featured some significant musical personalities throughout its history. Ludacris and Tyrese continue to play two of Dom’s most cherished crew members, and there would likely be a strong reaction if either the rapper or singer were excluded from the next film.
Additionally, we’ve also featured Cardi B, Ja Rule, Rita Ora, MC Jin, Rita Moreno, Don Omar, Bad Bunny, Iggy Azalea, and Tegui Calderón. Interestingly, John Cena, Dwayne Johnson, and Idris Elba have dabbled in music during their professional journeys as well.
Considering the vast pool of vocal prowess we have, it seems like an entertaining option to introduce a musical episode. After all, this series has already explored uncharted territories by sending characters to space inside a redesigned vehicle. So, who knows what might happen next?
Instead of saying “Even better, Vin Diesel is willing to tap his toes and sing his heart out,” you could rephrase it as “Vin Diesel has shown a willingness to dance and serenade us.” On Kelly Clarkson’s show, he was asked if he would be open to creating a musical based on the Fast & Furious franchise.
I’ve longed to perform in a musical for as long as I can remember, and I had an opportunity with Steven Spielberg for ‘Guys and Dolls.’ Unfortunately, that didn’t work out, but I still can’t wait to take part in a musical. In fact, I found the Nathan Detroit role in ‘Guys and Dolls’ intriguing and thought it would be fascinating to reinterpret.
It’s high time for a change? Some spectators find the narrative uninteresting now. Perhaps it’s time to slow down or head in a different direction. Interestingly, changing course seems more appealing, and what could be more refreshing than a song? However, the Joker issues a warning. Not every tune leaves audiences delighted.
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2024-12-14 04:02