The trailer has revealed a string of retcons to the long-running series, but the movie's approach could be bad news for fans hoping to see Gal Gadot's Gisele return to the action. The franchise has never been afraid to subvert expectations with surprising returns and revelations. In addition to the increasingly ludicrous action, twists like Dominic Toretto's long-lost brother and villains dramatically switching sides are some of the main reasons audiences keep returning in their droves. However, one specific technique seen in means that, in Gadot's case at least, a comeback could prove disappointing.
While keeps many specific plot points under wraps, much of the action centers on exploring the motivations of Jason Momoa's mysterious villain Dante. Through a succession of flashbacks, it's actually revealed that Dante was operating in the shadows as part of Reyes' outfit during . On the face of it, this development seems to have little to do with Gal Gadot's Gisele and her much-debated death in . However, the use of flashbacks as a narrative device could have disappointing ramifications for audiences hoping for a full-blown Gadot comeback.
By revealing 's willingness to use flashbacks to retcon past events and set up a new story, the has perhaps inadvertently opened up an easy avenue for old characters to make a return. After all, if the movie is willing to rewrite the past and once again bring back Paul Walker's Brian, there's nothing to stop either or a future movie doing the same to reintegrate other characters. This provides a clear framework by which Gal Gadot's Gisele could return to the series.
Using Gisele in such a way would obviously have major ramifications for the nature of her comeback. For instance, she would not be able to play a key role in the present timeline and would be restricted to an expository cameo role. This is obviously much more limiting than a fully-fledged return to the action. As such, has major implications that go far beyond the prospect of once again seeing Brian behind the wheel in a movie.
It has long been theorized that, like her love interest Han, Gisele wasn't actually dead after sacrificing herself in . This theory would have allowed the character to make a comeback on , reuniting with Han and potentially establishing her as a key player in the present timeline. If the character is restricted to flashback appearances, however, this theory could be thrown out the window.
The trailer has already demonstrated that the movie will use old footage to bring old characters back.
This is best demonstrated by the prominent role of Paul Walker, who many believe should have exited the franchise for good after his . However, if flashbacks are also used for Gisele, there's a risk that could disappoint fans hoping for an official comeback. Arguably, this approach could also lessen the emotional impact of seeing Brian on screen again, as Gal Gadot could still feasibly return to the franchise. Whatever approach the movie takes, the use of flashbacks has major implications for how a Gisele return – if it happens at all – could take place.
