Sung Kang crafts his own Fast & Furious-style racing saga with new film “Drifter”

Sung Kang, best known as Han from the Fast & Furious franchise, has written, directed, and stars in his new feature film “Drifter,” a passion project that dives deep into the world of professional drifting. The story follows Tree, a race track janitor who must confront his past and overcome personal obstacles to earn a second shot at competing in a pro-drifting series. The two-minute trailer, released via IGN, hints at a narrative rich with themes of redemption, relationships, and second chances, all while showcasing Kang’s love for cars and the automotive community. Central to the film is a Toyota AE86—nicknamed “Lola”—a car with deep roots in motorsport cinema, famously tied to the anime-inspired Initial D series.

The movie’s official website even dedicates sections to the three AE86s used in production: Lola 1, Lola 2, and Lola 2B. Kang has described “Drifter” as a “love letter to the car community,” criticizing how traditional films often fail to respect car culture. The cast includes familiar faces like Rutledge Wood, Formula Drift technical commentator Jacob Gettins, actor and former Donut Media co-founder James Pumphrey, and Formula D drifters Dai Yoshihara (2011 Formula Drift champion) and Ryan Tuerck. Stunt coordination was handled by Eliza Coleman, known for her work on Ken Block’s Gymkhana films, including the recent “ELECTRIKHANA” Part 1.

Kang, who also has a well-documented passion for the Toyota Sienna, is a frequent presence at car shows, YouTube channels, and racing events. He was spotted at IMSA’s Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta in 2024. While an exact release date hasn’t been confirmed, IGN reports the film is expected to hit theaters later this year. The official “Drifter” website also teases a dedicated Events section, hinting at a potential Drifter World Tour to promote the film.