As filming progressed, the number of action scenes steadily increased, requiring Matthew to frequently step in front of the camera. However, the more dangerous stunts and high-speed car chases were still handled by professional stunt doubles. After all, in Hollywood, the rule of thumb is clear: let the experts handle the risky work.
Following their earlier discussion, Justin Lin set aside his hesitations and fully embraced his approach to directing the film.
Since Matthew had taken the reins of the Fast & Furious franchise, the series had undergone inevitable changes. The most noticeable shift was the transition of car racing from being the central focus to becoming a backdrop for action-packed storytelling.
Although all action scenes were still centered around cars, Fast & Furious had effectively transformed into an action film with car culture as its theme.
As Matthew often said, "A top-tier blockbuster, especially one intended to span multiple sequels, can't rely on a single element like racing. It needs variety." Thus, more action sequences were introduced, while the concept of "family" became the franchise's core philosophy.
This series was designed to give the audience luxury cars, beautiful women, adrenaline-pumping speed, and unfiltered fun. It was all about thrills without depth, simplicity without complexity.
Matthew's goal was straightforward: deliver a visual feast and an exhilarating experience that left viewers buzzing with excitement.
This was a movie designed to dazzle the senses, ignite adrenaline, and fuel the audience's hormonal rush.
As a result, the filming became more intense, the violence more pronounced, and the storylines simpler. Cars, tanks, and planes alternated in the spotlight, with high-octane stunts taking center stage.
With the framework and objectives clearly defined, the production was uncompromising in execution.
After ten days of filming at Pinewood Studios, Justin Lin moved the crew to London's streets for location shooting. With Matthew's full support, the director felt emboldened to push boundaries. He even proposed blowing up a decommissioned tank near the Houses of Parliament.
Blowing up a military tank—even a retired one—required more than just theatrical explosives. It called for actual demolition-grade explosives.
The London City Council, which had representatives closely monitoring the shoot, immediately objected upon hearing this plan.
The Houses of Parliament was a historic and highly sensitive site. Allowing a tank explosion nearby was out of the question. What if the blast affected the iconic structure?
The council intervened, prohibiting any explosion sequences in London's streets.
Forced to change plans, Matthew and Justin decided to recreate the scene at Pinewood Studios instead, building a set for the tank explosion.
"British officials have no sense of fun," Justin grumbled as the tank was loaded onto a truck and hauled away. "They're so rigid."
Matthew glanced at the Houses of Parliament and shrugged. "Maybe they're worried we'll pull a V for Vendetta on them."
This historic building, much like the White House, was often a prime target for cinematic destruction.
With the schedule adjusted, the crew shifted to filming more straightforward driving scenes on other streets. However, London City Council became increasingly cautious, assigning three supervisors instead of one to monitor the crew—almost as if they genuinely believed the production was plotting to bomb Parliament.
As shooting continued, the "racing family" cast members gradually arrived in the UK, reuniting the ensemble.
Due to the logistical challenges posed by London's dense population and busy traffic, the crew alternated between Pinewood Studios and on-location shoots. Daytime scenes of the family's camaraderie were filmed in the studio, while nighttime action sequences took place on London's streets.
With this approach, more issues began to arise. Residents near the filming locations complained about the deafening roar of car engines at night, disrupting their sleep.
In response, the city council imposed restrictions, barring the crew from filming in urban areas past midnight.
Unlike Rio de Janeiro, where Fast Five had been filmed, London's stricter regulations and infrastructure made such disruptions less tolerable. In Rio, with its looser governance, the production team could film almost anything with enough financial persuasion. Recreating the chaotic climax of Fast Five on London's streets was unimaginable.
Faced with such challenges, Justin Lin adjusted his plans. For instance, an intense street-racing sequence originally planned for central London was relocated to a suburban tunnel. The crew was granted exclusive access to the tunnel from 10 PM to 6 AM for filming.
"Fast & Furious 6, Scene 52, Take 21!" called the assistant director as the clapperboard snapped in front of the camera. "Action!"
The crew sprang into motion. Matthew sped through the tunnel in a Mercedes-AMG, with five cameras strategically placed along the route capturing close-ups of his face through the car windows.
While most high-speed scenes were performed by stunt drivers, specific close-up shots required Matthew to take the wheel. However, the car's speed during these shots was relatively slow—barely reaching 50 miles per hour. The sense of breakneck velocity was primarily achieved through camera angles and post-production effects.
The scene was completed in one take. Matthew circled back to the starting point, parked the car, and joined Justin Lin to watch the filming of Giselle's gunfight sequence.
Gal Gadot moved with precision, her movements as fluid and confident as those of a trained soldier.
After starring in two Fast & Furious films, Gal had carved out a niche for herself as one of Hollywood's rising action stars.
She also appeared physically stronger than before, her increased muscle mass a testament to her rigorous fitness regimen.
As dawn broke, the crew wrapped up for the night. While most headed back to rest, Matthew and Justin prepared for a press event at Pinewood Studios.
Promotion and publicity were essential elements of any film's success.
Matthew dozed off briefly during the drive to the studio, waking up as the car entered the gates. Once parked, he stepped out and made his way to the press room.
Nearby, Gal Gadot also arrived, stepping out of her car.
"Morning, Gadot," Matthew greeted her.
"Good morning, Matthew," she replied with a smile, quickening her pace to join him.
Walking together, Matthew remarked, "You look stronger than before."
"I've been hitting the gym harder," Gal admitted. "I've put on about ten pounds of muscle."
Matthew raised an eyebrow. "Isn't weight every woman's sworn enemy?"
Gal laughed. "I'm competing for a role that requires it."
Matthew immediately thought of Warner Bros. and Zack Snyder's ongoing project. "Princess Diana of Themyscira?"
With close ties to Warner Bros. and Zack Snyder, Matthew was well aware of the studio's plans. Man of Steel had already been completed, and Warner Bros. was positioning it as the launchpad for the DC Cinematic Universe. Their next project, Batman v Superman, was already in the works, aiming to bring together Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.
Gal nodded. "Yes, I'm auditioning for Wonder Woman."
As Matthew had suspected. Given the current cultural climate, if Wonder Woman's portrayal aligned with feminist ideals and avoided major missteps, success seemed likely.
Thinking back, Matthew recalled hearing that Gal herself had been surprised to land the role among so many contenders. Perhaps, he mused, she had found her benefactor in Zack Snyder.
"I'll put in a good word with Zack and Warner for you," Matthew offered.
Gal hesitated, then raised her left hand to reveal an engagement ring. "Matthew, I'm engaged."
Matthew chuckled, realizing she had misunderstood his intentions. "Gadot, we're friends. Friends help each other out. All I can do is ensure you get a fair audition. The rest is up to you."
The world was too vast for him to have a romantic connection with every woman he met.
Gal looked embarrassed. "Sorry."
Matthew noticed the ring on her finger and asked, "So, you're engaged?"
"Yes," she replied. "His last name is Stanton. I'll introduce you sometime."
Matthew nodded. "Congratulations. And for the record, I have a girlfriend, too."
"I know. Margot Robbie. I've met her," Gal said.
As they reached the press room, Justin Lin was already waiting. The other main cast members, including Paul Walker, Tyrese Gibson, Jason Statham, and Jordana Brewster, arrived shortly after.
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