Universal Pictures is preparing a worldwide re-release of the first film in the "Fast and Furious" franchise to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the cult action movie. According to Wave RBC.UA, citing the film distributor's press office, the movie will be shown in Ukrainian cinemas starting September 10, 2026. For the anniversary re-release, the studio unveiled new posters, a trailer, as well as photos from celebratory parties and red carpets in Cannes, turning the anniversary into a full-fledged media event.
Anniversary Re-Release and Celebratory Materials
The first "Fast and Furious" hit the screens in 2001 and laid the foundation for one of the most box-office-successful action franchises in film history. To mark the 25th anniversary, the studio decided to bring the film back to worldwide theaters rather than settle for a digital release: special screenings have been arranged in cinemas, accompanied by the release of anniversary posters and a trailer. This re-release format allows the studio to both celebrate the anniversary and draw attention to the franchise's future plans.
How the Legend of Speed and Family Began
At the heart of the story is Brian O'Conner, a Los Angeles police officer who goes undercover into the world of illegal street racing to expose a criminal organization. The deeper the hero sinks into this environment and the closer he gets to Dominic Toretto's crew, the harder it becomes for him to determine which side he is on. It is from this film that the story of speed, adrenaline, loyalty, and the "family" the characters create for themselves began. The crime action film was directed by Rob Cohen, known for "Dragonheart," "xXx," and "Catching Wind," with the lead roles played by Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, and Michelle Rodriguez.
Cannes Reunion: The 79th Festival and a Night Screening
In May, the cast of "Fast and Furious" reunited at the 79th Cannes Film Festival: on May 13, a special night screening of the first installment was held at the Grand Lumière. Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, and Jordana Brewster walked the red carpet, joined by Meadow Walker — the daughter of the late Paul Walker, who played Brian O'Conner. One of the most emotional moments was the meeting between Meadow and Vin Diesel, who is the girl's godfather: the actor embraced her in front of the cameras and, from the stage, recalled Paul Walker, calling him his brother. Before the screening, Cannes Festival director Thierry Frémaux called the first "Fast and Furious" a classic, and Diesel admitted that such recognition 25 years after the premiere was a special moment for the team.
A Celebration in Los Angeles and a Focus on the Finale
Another anniversary event took place on August 17 in Los Angeles: the cast gathered for a special screening at the Westwood Village Theater, where cars styled after the franchise were displayed outside. Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, and Meadow Walker returned to the celebration. For the Cannes appearance, Diesel chose a black jacket with sequins, an image of a race car, and the inscription "Fast Forever" on the back — a gesture that, in essence, became a call to the franchise's upcoming final film. On the red carpet, the actor interacted with fans who had been waiting for the stars for hours and took selfies with them.
What This Means for the Franchise
The anniversary re-release of the first "Fast and Furious" is not just a nostalgic gesture: it serves as a bridge to the conclusion of a story the franchise has been developing for a quarter of a century. The reunion of the key actors, including Paul Walker's daughter, emotionally closes one of the franchise's most painful narrative threads while simultaneously building hype around the final installment. For audiences in Ukraine and around the world, it is a chance to see the film that started an era in the theatrical format — starting September 10, 2026.
