BROTHERS IN ARMS
On the Universal Studios Lot in California, it’s an uncharacteristically grey day in May 2019. But the threat of drizzle is apt, as Total Film strolls past a huge recreation of a London street, replete with fast cars and revving motorcycles. Some filming is taking place today, but TF is in fake London to meet the cast of Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw, the franchise spin-off that follows Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham’s title characters in a side mission that takes them far away from Vin Diesel’s Dominic Toretto.
The idea of spinning off from the lucrative franchise (total box office to date: $5.1bn) with US DSS agent Luke Hobbs (Johnson) and British special forces operative-turned-mercenaryturned-uneasy-ally Deckard Shaw (Statham) came naturally, according to director David Leitch, the former stunt coordinator who has become an acclaimed director with the likes of John Wick, Atomic Blonde and Deadpool 2. “The chemistry between Dwayne and Jason was so well-received in [Fast & Furious] 7 and 8, that I think that it just felt right for [series screenwriter] Chris Morgan and the team to really just say, ‘These characters should have their own world. We want to know more about them. But the Fast movies can’t support all that story. So let’s give them their own lane.’”
Hobbs and Shaw have butted heads with full force since the latter was introduced as the villain of the seventh instalment, before they became prison pals and unlikely teammates in Fast & Furious 8, in pursuit of cyberterrorist Cipher (Charlize Theron). During that mission, they somewhat put their differences aside, but there was still a weapons-grade level of banter between them. When we meet them today, even though they’re not in the same room, that chemistry clearly bleeds off screen. When Statham’s asked if he has a question for Johnson, he pauses in thought. “What can I say? You should say, ‘Jason says…’” He pauses again, tilting back his head and cracking a mile-wide wolfish grin. “No, no, I won’t,” he cackles.
Johnson, meanwhile, is the last stop on ’s Universal Studios itinerary for the day. “Saved the best for last,” he quips, cucumber-cool. “How was that bag of fun with Jason?” Told about Statham’s refusal to share a question for him, the artist formerly known as” – with a smile. Johnson’s ascent to all-conquering movie stardom arguably cranked up a gear when he joined 2011’s . Both Johnson’s and the series’ stock skyrocketed from then on. Today, this small, unassuming meeting room is thrumming with Big Dwayne Energy. He might be one of the biggest movie stars on the planet, but Johnson is a gracious host. He offers an Infinity Gauntlet-sized handshake at the off, and the way he holds court on all aspects of the production is a testament to his producing muscle, which he consolidated when he co-founded production company Seven Bucks in 2012.
