Less than two weeks ago, Vin Diesel, star of the Fast & Furious franchise, expressed his eagerness to return the beloved series to Los Angeles, particularly in the wake of the devastating wildfires that impacted the city in January. As the Super Bowl weekend approaches, Diesel has taken significant steps toward this goal by reuniting with co-star Michelle Rodriguez for a Super Bowl advertisement promoting Häagen-Dazs ice cream. This ad, filmed along the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway, signals a thrilling moment for fans of the franchise.
Taking to his Instagram, Diesel shared a sneak peek of the commercial, showcasing himself behind the wheel of a striking red SS Chevelle with the top down and Rodriguez riding shotgun. The vehicle’s license plate, reading “Slow-Life,” humorously contrasts the fast-paced lifestyle typically associated with their characters, Dominic Toretto and Letty Ortiz. Diesel’s heartfelt caption reminisced about the origins of the franchise. He wrote, “25 years ago on the streets of Los Angeles, we created something that became bigger than any of us could have imagined. Not just a movie—but a family that stretches across the globe.”
Stepping even deeper into nostalgia, Diesel reflected on filming the ad on PCH, reviving memories of racing with his late friend Paul Walker. He continued, “Being on PCH, filming this Super Bowl spot, brought it all rushing back. The same stretch of coast where Pablo and I raced 25 years ago, practical driving, living those moments that would change our lives forever.” His words not only celebrate the franchise’s history but also the community that has supported it through the years.
The impact of the wildfires has been immense, with more than $250 billion in damages reported, alongside loss of life and displacement of tens of thousands of residents. Diesel noted that this return to Los Angeles could serve as a much-needed boost for the city. In a previous Instagram post, he revealed that he was encouraged by Fast & Furious co-star Jordana Brewster to bring the franchise back for its final installment, emphasizing, “Los Angeles is where Fast & Furious started filming 25 years ago… and now Fast will finally return home.” This commitment to returning home is more than just geographic; it resonates deeply with the franchise’s identity and legacy.
While Universal Pictures has not yet confirmed the return of the Fast & Furious franchise to Los Angeles, Diesel’s recent social media posts indicate a strong sentiment among the cast and crew to finish the series where it all began back in 2001. In addition to highlighting the Häagen-Dazs ad, Diesel took the opportunity to express gratitude toward the fans who have propelled the series to over $7 billion in earnings, stating, “We’ve all felt that Fast needs to come back to LA. Not just because it’s where we started, but because it’s who we are.” The connection to Los Angeles is emotional, evoking the spirit of unity that this franchise represents.
As the franchise gears up for its final chapter, scheduled for release in March 2026, Diesel’s enthusiasm shines through. He passionately declared, “To every fan who’s made this decades-long journey with us—this one’s for you. And to Los Angeles, our first home, our heart—we’re coming back.” His words embody a powerful sentiment as the Fast & Furious family prepares to return home. The excitement is palpable as Diesel notes, “The engines are revving, the family’s gathering, and these streets are calling us home. Back where those quarter-mile races with Brian became legend, where every sunset holds a story. The saga’s coming full circle, and my heart is already racing…”
The world will witness a glimpse of Diesel and Rodriguez’s advertisement during Super Bowl LIX on February 9, but the anticipation for the franchise’s grand return to Los Angeles promises an exciting future, filled with hope and nostalgia for all fans.
