The Fast and The Furious started with an article, just in case anyone’s out there who thinks the pen is not mightier than the throttle. And it hasn’t ended, not yet, not through seven films and side universes painted in green hulked out VW Touran’s. It’s never had a hiccup, not until now. Until the beloved Paul Walker died in the car accident the series and his legions of fans will never forget. With that, Furious 7 is as much a vigil to the fallen star as it is the usual testosterone fueled tank rolling through your nervous system.
Central to the huge pull of the series has been its close connection to Hip Hop. From the soundtracks to Luda’ becoming a central character (after an abrupt departure by one Ja-Rule), the franchise has retained a lot of its tough guy milieu though the genre. But Ludacris character has become a major part of the party. First appearing afro’d out in the sequel to the original, Mr. Chicken and Beer’s character has evolved into a quasi genius tech visionary with a penchant for helping the crew get into and out of tough jams. A far cry from being just a minor gearhead with a supporting minority role.
He’s made the most of his opportunities, and, while he’s not exactly seen as a thespian, he’s racked up quite an impressive turn of roles in very successful films over the years. With the closing of the Furious franchise quickly approaching we decided to look back at the films and franchises he’s helped make successful. If only to realize that Ludacris is a man who builds opportunities and capitalizes on them in way that can only be described as overwhelmingly successful.
Oh, and his career box office gross? Try $916,594,096. And below, in a never before seen clip, Luda’ helps to breakdown exactly what set the Furious franchise on its road through seven films filled to the brim with fast cars, beautiful women, honor, and box office success. Furious 7 drops April 3.
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The Fast & The Furious Franchise: ( 2 Fast 2 Furious, Fast Five, Fast & Furious 6, Furious 7)
Release Date: June 6, 2003 (2 Fast 2 Furious) – April 29, 2011 (Fast Five) – May 24, 2013 (Fast & Furious 6) – April 3, 2015 (Furious 7)
Major Co-Stars: Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, The Rock, Tyrese
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Why He Mattered: Tech expert and voice of reason Tej Parker
Total Box Office Numbers: $1,652,000,000
Above, Ludacris helps guide you through the numerous twists and turns of The Fast & The Furious Franchise in an exclusive, never before seen featurette, which chronicles the genesis of the films that became the kick start to both Paul Walker and Vin Diesel’s career. However, the series’ first instalment featured an important cameo from a then insanely popular Ja Rule. Alongside other obvious mistakes, clearly the former Murder Inc. artist is kicking himself for not taking the opportunity to participate in the sequel 2 Fast 2 Furious. Well, one man’s trash is another man’s multi million dollar treasure as Ludacris’ role portrayal of Tej Parker has made him a series mainstay since. And an important one, as their resident computer hacker, genius car remodeler and signature badass.
Crash
Release Date: May 6, 2005
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Major Co-Stars: Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Terrence Howard, Larenz Tate
Why He Mattered: Troubled criminal Anthony
Total Box Office Numbers: $98,410,061
Winning Best Picture during the 78th Academy Awards ceremony, Crash could be considered Ludacris’ first and only dramatic role to date. Playing alongside Larenz Tate’s Peter Waters, Luda’s role as Anthony was a bold move considering the route most rappers turned actors take. An early scene of Crash features an interesting exchange between Peter and Anthony. For someone with limited acting experience the DTP head holds his own with Tate as the conversation discusses the role black male stereotypes play in America.
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Hustle & Flow
Release Date: July 22, 2005
Major Co-Stars: Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Anthony Anderson
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Why He Mattered: Local rap success Skinny Black
Total Box Office Numbers: $23,563,727
If someone is going to create the greatest cinematic tribute to Southern rap, why not have one of the biggest rappers below the Mason Dixon Line have a critical role. Sure, the biggest story of Hustle & Flow would be Three 6 Mafia’s Oscar win. That doesn’t mean Terrence Howard’s DJay striving to be the next Skinny Black was a narrative slouch. Hustle & Flow’s final moments between the two still remain the film’s best non-musical moments. Interestingly enough, the soundtrack doesn’t actually feature Ludacris and was executively produced by then on wax rival T.I.
Max Payne
Release Date: October 17, 2008
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Major Co-Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis
Why He Mattered: NYPD Lieutenant Jim Bravura
Total Box Office Numbers: $85,416,905
Based on Remedy Entertainment’s best selling videogame franchise, Max Payne was eventually given the cinematic treatment. Though seen as a critical failure, it made quite enough at the box office. With Wahlberg portraying the titular anti-hero, Ludacris plays NYPD Lieutenant Jim Bravura whose role as NYPD Lieutenant Jim Bravura.
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Gamer
Release Date: September 9, 2009
Major Co-Stars: Gerard Butler, Amber Valletta
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Why He Mattered: Humanz resistance leader Brother
Total Box Office Numbers: $40,828,540
In the future, video games get so hyperrealistic that humans replace the virtual world thanks to nanotechnology. Literally, humans gain the ability to control other humans for entertainment. One game is The Sims and Second Life inspired “Society.” The other is a bloodsport shooter entitled Slayers made up of death row and life term inmates. Ludacris gains a righteous role as resistance leader to opposing sect Humanz.
New Years Eve
Release Date: December 9, 2011
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Major Co-Stars: Hilary Swank, Michelle Pfeiffer, Halle Berry, Common, Jessica Biel
Why He Mattered: Brendan in the Times Square plotline
Total Box Office Numbers: $142,044,638
One of the most epic romantic comedies of the last decade in terms of casting, New Years Eve features Ludacris in the “Times Square” storyline. Though his role was relatively minor, Luda’s castmates were obviously plenty enough in number to place him in good company.
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No Strings Attached
Release Date: January 11, 2011
Major Co-Stars: Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher
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Why He Mattered: He’s Ashton Kutcher’s (Adam’s) friend Wallace
Total Box Office Numbers: $149,228,077
No Strings Attached could be considered one of the quintessential romantic comedies for millennials. The story of friends-with-benifits of course has an entirely predictable storyline yet, it’s a cute story for those nights with bae. Playing close friends to Ashton Kutcher’s Adam, Luda provides some of the film’s comic relief.
