Brutal Fast X Fight Scene Was Filmed Without a Director: ‘We Don’t Need One, Let’s Do This’

After the first official trailer for Fast X premiered in February, viewers were quick to take note of a fistfight scene between returning cast members Michelle Rodriguez and Charlize Theron. Nearly two months later, Rodriguez has revealed that this scene was filmed without a director.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Rodriguez discussed her role in Fast X, revealing that this sequence was filmed while the movie was in between directors.

“Can I just tell you — no pun intended, but Charlize is a monster,” Rodriguez said. “We shot our [Fast X] fight sequence with no director.”

As Vanity Fair pointed out, the movie’s original director Justin Lin left early on in the production process, reportedly due to a fight with Vin Diesel. His departure left the movie without a director for a week before Louis Leterrier stepped in.

“Bro, like, hands down, drop mic, we nailed it,” she continued. “We were there, we don’t need [a director], let’s do this. Second unit director, come on. We kept that train running until Louie came in and took over. And she is a consummate professional, sharp elbows, her work ethic is beyond.”

Fast X will be released on May 19, and it will be the second to last film in the franchise. This week, Vin Diesel teased that the series will say goodbye to the late Paul Walker’s character in Fast X, and Brie Larson also revealed the identity of her character.

Amelia Zollner is a freelance writer at IGN who loves all things indie and Nintendo. Outside of IGN, they’ve contributed to sites like Polygon and Rock Paper Shotgun. Find them on Twitter: @ameliazollner.