Himself a car enthusiast (and a self-confessed pedal- o-the-metal driver), Walker comments, "I was glad to come back because I knew that the fans would want to see it. Rarely do you have the luxury of going into a movie that you know a lot of people want to see. This film is going to be bigger and better, especially the driving sequences. We are just taking it one step further. This time around we went for more exotic cars. We have a Nissan Skyline R-34, which isn't even available in the States, and a Mitsubishi Evolution 7, just out this year. That is what makes it fun for the car enthusiasts."
About working with John Singleton, Walker says, "We had a blast together. His enthusiasm really kept me going. John’s a guy who really loves movies, so when he sets up a shot, everything is an analogy, he’s not telling you how to do it. He is genuinely excited."
The young star heaps equal high praise on his onscreen partner, the singer/actor Tyrese, stepping into the role of fast-talking ex-con Roman Pearse. Walker elaborates, "Tyrese said to me, 'Hey, man, I’m a singer, not an actor!’ And I told him he’s kidding himself. He’s a natural. What’s great is that he brings an amazing amount of credibility, street credibility-you hear actors talking about coming from rough neighborhoods, that sort of thing. Tyrese is the real deal, and he feels it’s his duty to bring that history and honesty to the screen. He’s also a dynamic, funny man."
When asked about stepping into a role in a film with such high expectations, Tyrese explains that he did not feel any pressure. "When you are given the opportunity such as this, you just need to bring yourself to the film. After seeing my performance in Baby Boy, Universal approached me about the role. And like I was thrilled to take it," he adds.
Tyrese found the car culture depicted in the screenplay different from the one he was familiar with growing up in Los Angeles. He comments, The story depicts a lot more detail than I ever knew about. It’s a brand new experience for me. In the film, they race for pink slips. We kind of do it another way...
About the partnership between O’Connor and Pearse, Tyrese jokes, "I think Paul and I have a lot of chemistry because, basically, I am from the ‘hood and he is this white boy from Huntington Beach."
Cast as O’Connor’s entree into Verone’s world is Eva Mendes, portraying undercover agent Monica Fuenres.. .who may herself have wavering loyalties. But it was Mendes’ loyalty to filmmaker Singleton that led her to the role. She says, "What really attracted me to the role was John Singleton, I’ve always liked his work-where he’s come from and what he says about it in his films."
The talented newcomer also had other motives behind taking on the role. Mendes offers, "I have a lead foot. My first car was a ‘66 Mustang, and I love fast, muscle cars. And I have it out for [producer] Neal Moritz, because my character doesn’t even get to drive!"
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