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The Fast and the Furious

“Ride or die.”

Today marks the 15th anniversary of those famous —and, sadly, prophetic— words in the premiere of The Fast and the Furious. The cinematic franchise has taken audiences’ hearts with their (soon to be) eight installments of excitement, passion, and, unfortunately, tragedy. For Fast and Furious lovers, today is the perfect time to binge watch all seven films to celebrate.

The 2001 release of The Fast and the Furious was controversial among critics, but gave Vin Diesel and Paul Walker international success with a $207MM worldwide gross. Surrounded by a year of blockbusters, the Fast and Furious franchise continues to find success in theaters to this day. Thanks to their loyal fans, of course. After the loss of Paul Walker, the community surrounding this franchise displays how from tragedy comes triumph. For those who have been along for the ride, these 10 facts will test how well you know the inner-workings of the first installment.

Zach and Slater Reunited

Originally, director Rob Cohen’s cast vision included Mario Lopez as Dominick and Mark Paul Gosselaar as Brian. However, studio executives thought the two’s past on Saved by the Bell would confuse audiences. While the Vin Diesel and Paul Walker duo are close to our hearts, Mario and Mark could’ve been totally rad, dude.

Vin Diesel: Too Fast, Too Furious

Vin Diesel’s passion for The Fast and the Furious was evident even in the first film. You could even say passion made him too fast and too furious because he broke a stuntman’s nose on set.

The Real Slim Shady

In arguably the height of his fame, Eminem was considered for the role of Brian O’Connor. Two other major stars of this time, Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale, were also up for the role.

So you think you can drive?

Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster were both cast before having drivers licenses OR learner’s permits. They both had to learn how to drive and acquire their licenses (for insurance reasons) to be in the film – Jordana having to pass her test in one take so she wouldn’t be dropped from the film.

Don't Bring It On

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0YqZqU_z0Q

The role of Mia was written for Eliza Dushku, who was most likely still flipping from the success of Bring It On, but she turned it down. Whoops.

Fight for Mia

It seems apparent that Hollywood knew how big The Fast and the Furious would become. The role of Mia, held by Jordana Brewster, had many well-known actresses such as Natalie Portman, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Kirsten Dunst, Bijou Phillips and Jessica Biel auditioning. Maybe we could have avoided the whole Padme/Anakin fiasco if Natalie Portman was too busy driving cars to participate in the Star Wars prequels?

Dominic and Letty 4EVER

For those die-hard Dominic and Letty fans, your fairy tale actually came true – kind of. During filming, real-life Vin Diesel and Michelle Rodriguez were dating off screen just like their characters. The pair are no longer together and are involved in new relationships. Vin Diesel has three children, the youngest named Pauline after Paul Walker.

Tip Of The Hat To 'Donnie Brasco'

Al Pacino and Johnny Depp may be to thank for The Fast and the Furious. The 1997 film Donnie Brasco depicts an FBI undercover agent and was the reason Paul Walker started the film. He thought the undercover cop role was cool and wanted to portray that character with Brian.

Made in America

If anything, The Fast and the Furious is known for the multitude of appearances cars make in the film. Of the cars driven by the principle cast, only two of them are domestic. Those are Dom’s ’70 charger and Brian’s Ford Lightning parts truck.

Agent Cody Banks Goes Fast

The Volkswagen Jetta that Jesse drives in the movie was purchased by 16-year-old Frankie Muniz in 2002 for $100,000. The car was signed by Paul Walker and was customized with a stereo and a Playstation 2.

Earlier this year, however, Muniz auctioned the car around the same his mansion in Arizona went up for sale for $2.95 million. No games allowed for this now 30-year-old former child star, apparently.