Vin Diesel & 'Fast X' Cast On Impact Of Meadow Walker's Cameo: 'It Did Something To My Soul'
By Fiyin Olowokandi on May 22, 2023 at 10:15 PM EDT
It is all about family! The "Fast & Furious" cast is reflecting on Meadow Walker's introduction to the action-packed franchise.
The daughter of the late Hollywood sensation Paul Walker is famous for being the actor's only child before his tragic demise in 2013. Outside her father's shadow, the 24-year-old is known for her achievements as a model.
Now, the media personality is walking in the Teen Choice Award winner's shoes by joining his former co-stars in the tenth installment of the highly-anticipated series. Please keep reading to learn about the cast's reactions.
Vin Diesel Joins' Fast & Furious' Cast In Lauding Meadow Walker In Praises
Over the weekend, members of the "Fast X" cast stepped out to participate at the 2023 Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP) Block Party. Per PEOPLE, the event was held in Los Angeles on the night of May 20, with Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, and Jordana Brewster in attendance.
The trio spoke exclusively to the outlet about their late co-star's daughter, who appeared in the latest "Fast & Furious" sequel. Meadow's cameo might have been brief, but her participation left lasting memories in the A-listers' hearts.
Raving about the model's performance, Diesel noted that watching his close pal's daughter continue Paul's legacy was life-changing. "It did something to my soul to see her want to honor her father and to contribute in her way to his life's work," the 55-year-old said "... It meant everything."
On the other hand, Rodriguez's praise was centered around the late "Brick Mansions" star, whom she declared would never be forgotten. "It's everything to us because [Paul's] memory is never going to die within the franchise, so as long as we're doing it, we have to maintain that, [keeping his] energy alive," the actress explained.
Meanwhile, Brewster, who played Paul's on-screen lover, celebrated Meadow as an excellent franchise addition. Gushing about the media personality, the 43-year-old noted that she was now "woven into the fabric forever."
"To have her be on set and work her butt off was inspiring," the brunette chimed. In "Fast X," the tenth installment of the box-office wonder, Meadow was cast as a flight attendant. Her character had the honor of interacting with Jakob Toretto (played by John Cena). Weeks earlier, the "Joy Ride" star's daughter gave fans a sneak peek at her cameo in a heartwarming Instagram post.
The 24-year-old shared a behind-the-scenes image from the movie's production alongside a lengthy caption depicting her excitement. The Paul Walker Foundation creator's opening paragraph read:
"A preview of my cameo in Fast X. The first fast was released when I was one year old! I grew up on set watching my father, Vin, Jordana, Michelle, Chris, and more on the monitors."
Paying tribute to her late father, the runway alum continued: "Thanks to my dad, I was born into the Fast family. I can't believe now I get to be up there too. With those who have been around to see me grow up."
Meadow's gratitude extended to "Fast X" director Louis Leterrier, whom she thanks for his "kindness, patience, and support." She also gave a special shoutout to her late father's best friend, Brandon Birtell, who she credited for making the cameo happen.
"I am so blessed to be able to honor my father's legacy and share this with him forever x. I love you all so much," the MTV Movie Award winner's daughter concluded her sweet caption.
'Fast X' Premiere Brings In Millions But Allegedly Falls Short To Previous Installments
Meadow's first Box Office appearance might not meet her expectations, as Forbes reported shocking movie records. According to the outlet, the tenth installment of the action-packed franchise earned the No. 1 spot at the box office on its opening weekend.
Although the film allegedly drew in $318 million in global sales, "Fast X" did not outdo the U.S. box office figures of the franchise's previous installments. Domestically, the movie generated $67.5 million, failing to surpass its predecessor "F9," which brought in $70 million on its opening weekend in 2021.
"Fast X" was the fourth film in the action movie franchise to have the most minor U.S. open. It drew in less than half the anticipation for "Furious 7," which earned over $147 million domestically on its opening weekend in 2015.
On the bright side, the tenth installment exceeded the first "Fast & Furious" movie's records. "The Fast And The Furious" reportedly earned about $40 million in its 2001 premiere, significantly lower than "Fast X" debut.
