It’s almost impossible to envision anyone other than Vin Diesel embodying the iconic Fast and Furious character, Dom Toretto. However, an interesting revelation came to light when Timothy Olyphant, known for his roles in TV series like Justified, Santa Clarita Diet, and Deadwood, disclosed that he was initially offered the opportunity to join the Fast and Furious cast. This revelation surfaced during a 2018 appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen.
Expressing his initial reservations, Olyphant candidly shared, “I just thought, well, this will just be stupid, and I thought no one is gonna wanna see this movie eight or nine different times. I mean, by the third or fourth sequel, people are gonna definitely get bored of it. Right?”
At the time, Olyphant may not have anticipated the immense success and longevity of the Fast and Furious franchise, which is currently gearing up for its eleventh installment and has raked in an astounding $5 billion to date. Additionally, Vin Diesel, who portrays Dom Toretto, has not only achieved superstar status through the film series but has also taken on a significant role behind the scenes as a producer for the upcoming Fast X.
Despite the franchise’s monumental success, Olyphant stands by his decision and has no regrets. He asserted that the high-octane thriller movies are simply “not my thing.” While his initial concerns about audience interest and the franchise’s longevity may not have proven accurate, Olyphant remains true to his personal preferences. For those intrigued by Dom Toretto’s evolution throughout the Fast and Furious series, exploring the movies in chronological order provides a comprehensive journey through the character’s cinematic arc.