'Fast and Furious' franchise director steps down from the final 2 films in the main saga

• "Fast X" director Justin Lin announced he's stepping down as director of the film.
• Lin, who has directed five "Fast" films, was set to direct "Fast X" and its sequel.

The final "Fast & Furious" films will need a new director.

Franchise director Justin Lin announced Tuesday on Instagram he is stepping down as director from "Fast X," the next installment of the saga. He will remain on the film as a producer.

"Fast X" is set to be the first of a two-part film, ending the main "Fast" franchise. Insider has learned that Lin will not direct the final film of the "Fast" saga.

Here's Lin's statement in full:

"With the support of Universal, I have made the difficult decision to step back as director of 'Fast X,' while remaining with the project as a producer. Over 10 years and five films, we have been able to shoot the best actors, the best stunts, and the best damn car chases. On a personal note, as the child of Asian immigrants, I am proud of helping to build the most diverse franchise in movie history. I will forever be grateful to the amazing cast, crew and studio for their support, and for welcoming me into the 'Fast' family."

Though Lin didn't cite his reason to depart the film, Deadline reports Lin's decision was due to "creative differences."

Lin's departure from the series comes about a week after production on "Fast X" began. Franchise star Vin Diesel told Regal filming was originally supposed to commence in January 2022.

Since January, Diesel's efforts to get Dwayne Johnson to reprise his role in the film failed with Johnson. Jason Momoa and Brie Larson have recently joined the sequel.

Last week, Diesel shared a video from the set of "Fast X" with Lin, in which the director said it "feels like the beginning of an epic ending."

Lin's departure comes as a shock. In September, Lin told Insider he's been thinking about the ending to the franchise for over a decade. It's a topic he discussed with former "Fast" star Paul Walker, who died at the age of 40 in 2013 after he was involved in a single-car accident.

The director previously told Insider he's been thinking about the final chapter of the franchise with Diesel "for the last nine or so years."

Lin directed five films in the "Fast" franchise — the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and ninth films. On the "Fast 6," commentary, Lin previously said he was done directing the saga after the sixth film.

Lin originally planned to return to direct one "Fast and Furious" sequel, "F9" (2021). In June, Lin told Insider that Diesel pulled him aside to convince him to stay and oversee the final trilogy of the main saga.

"Once I kind of agreed, Vin kind of pulled me aside and he said, 'You're not leaving,'" Lin said while laughing of agreeing to direct "F9." "We're finishing this thing up."

Currently, "Fast X" is set to be released on May 19, 2023.