Netflix’s Fast and Loose is back on track.
Following Michael Bay’s exit over creative differences, director John Swab has officially signed on to helm the action-thriller, which stars Will Smith as a man living a double life—part crime kingpin, part undercover CIA agent. The film is now aiming for a 2026 production start.
According to Deadline, Swab landed the job after impressing both Netflix and Smith, who’s known for being hands-on when it comes to choosing directors for his projects. Swab’s rise has been steady since the critically acclaimed King Ivory premiered at the Venice Film Festival last fall. That film, based on true stories of addiction, gangs, and law enforcement, drew widespread praise and industry buzz, ultimately securing him representation at CAA.
This marks a major career jump for Swab, whose previous credits include the gritty slasher Candy Land and the crime drama Ida Red. While he’s long been on the indie circuit, Fast and Loose will be his most high-profile studio film to date.
The script, written by Jon Hoeber, Erich Hoeber, Eric Pearson, and Dave Callaham, centers on a man who wakes up in Tijuana with no memory, only to uncover he’s been living two conflicting lives. It blends large-scale action with moments of dark comedy—reportedly the tonal split that initially caused Bay and Smith to part ways.
Smith remains onboard as both star and producer via Westbrook Studios. He’ll be joined by longtime collaborator Jerry Bruckheimer, who’s now officially producing the film, reuniting the duo for the first time since Bad Boys for Life. Also producing are Kelly McCormick and David Leitch for 87North, Adam Fishbach, and Chad Oman for Bruckheimer Films. Executive producers include Kosaku Yada and James Lassiter (Westbrook), Robert Simonds and Noah Fogelson (STXfilms), Jeff Waxman, and Jen Madeloff.
Netflix’s decision to move quickly on securing a new director reflects the studio’s commitment to staying on schedule, despite the earlier shake-up. Smith’s packed calendar reportedly left little room for delay, prompting the streamer to fast-track director meetings after Bay’s departure.
With Swab now officially signed on, production is expected to move forward smoothly, and all eyes will be on how the up-and-coming filmmaker balances the film’s big set pieces with its psychological edge.
Stay tuned—Fast and Loose is still shaping up to be one of Netflix’s most high-profile original action films in development.