Sung Kang's 'Drifter' Film Fueled by Car Community Passion at AutoShow
Fast & Furious star Sung Kang, renowned for his role as Han Lue in the blockbuster franchise, recently promoted his upcoming racing drama Drifter at the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto. The 53-year-old actor, who both directs and stars in the film, revealed that securing funding for this passion project came from an unexpected source: the global car community that adores the Fast series.
A Community-Driven Production
Kang explained that traditional production companies initially hesitated to back Drifter, which follows a janitor at California's Willow Springs Raceway dreaming of becoming a drift racer. "I went the traditional route and talked to a few production companies ... but they didn't understand what I was doing," Kang told Postmedia during an interview at the Toronto event. Instead, he turned to car enthusiasts who have supported him since his debut in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift twenty years ago.
"Every element of the movie happened because of the car community," Kang emphasized. He described how fans would contribute small amounts of money or offer parts like Toyota Corollas during casual garage hangouts. "It was a dollar here, a dollar there. Then when I needed these Toyota Corollas, someone would say, 'I've got a few,' and they'd be offering me parts." This grassroots support highlights the film's theme of underdog perseverance, which Kang compares to Rocky 1 but with drifting instead of boxing.
From Tokyo Drift to Drifter: A Personal Journey
Kang's immersion in car culture began with Tokyo Drift, though he admits he initially knew little about drifting. "Pre-Tokyo Drift I knew nothing about drifting. It seemed like it was just people going in circles and burning tires," he recalled. However, spending time with the community transformed his perspective. He now describes drifting as accessible and family-oriented, distinct from other motorsports. "It's like a barbecue. It's like a family event ... It's a motorsport that anyone can participate in. If you have a manual car, you can start drifting."
Reflecting on the Fast franchise's enduring popularity, Kang noted how Tokyo Drift has gained traction with younger generations over time. "Every year, it's fascinating how Tokyo Drift becomes more and more popular. Generations, younger and younger have grown into it," he said. This fan loyalty was evident when audiences campaigned to resurrect his character Han Lue after his on-screen death, a move that Kang says taught him to prioritize audience desires in filmmaking.
Lessons from Fast & Furious and Future Projects
Kang credits his experience on the Fast movies with providing invaluable film education. "It's a privilege to be on those big movies because it is film school if you want it to be ... That access is invaluable if you want to be a filmmaker," he explained. He fondly recalled filming Fast Five in Brazil as a highlight, citing the camaraderie among cast members during the series' rise to global fame.
As for the future of the Fast franchise, Kang remains coy about the upcoming eleventh installment, noting that decisions are driven by fan demand on social media. Meanwhile, Drifter is set to open in theaters later this year, serving as what Kang calls a "love letter to the car community." The Canadian International AutoShow, where Kang made these revelations, continues through February 22 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, celebrating automotive innovation and culture.
