Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift – first look at Universal Studios Hollywood's new coaster

IGN Live 2026 brought the first in-depth video preview of Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, the new roller coaster opening at Universal Studios Hollywood later this summer. IGN's Jeffrey Vega sat down with Universal VP of Creative Jon Corfino to break down what riders can expect.

Corfino was clear that the attraction isn't trying to put guests inside a Fast movie — it's more about "almost taking you behind the scenes." The queue is packed with film props and a stunt coordinator's whiteboard sketching out how the series' signature death-defying moments get pulled off. Corfino called the whole thing "a love letter to the stunt coordinators and stunt folks." The ride vehicles are styled as actual cars from the franchise — most notably Dominic Toretto's iconic Dodge Charger and a couple of cars associated with Brian O'Conner — and each one has its own authentically reproduced engine sounds. Corfino stressed the level of scrutiny that went into every detail: "No other ride vehicles in the history of roller coasters will be as examined as these." True to the Hollywood Drift name, the cars drift and spin along the track. Corfino recommended the front Charger seat for the best experience, noting there are "moments where you rotate and you do see all three cars behind you." The queue also features original artwork from graffiti artist Tristan Eaton, who previously painted the Universal Monsters mural on the Studio Tour.

Universal Studios Hollywood has over 100 years of history as a theme park built inside a working movie studio, and it's long leaned into that identity with attractions that blend immersion with filmmaking context. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift fits squarely into that tradition, centering stunt culture rather than plot.

The coaster opens at Universal Studios Hollywood later this summer.