André 3000 says he lost Fast & Furious role to Ludacris
Speaking with Stephen Colbert, 3000 said he tried out for the role of Tej Parker in 2003’s 2 Fast 2 Furious.
André 3000's acting career has been all over the map, ranging from voicing an animated kids shows (Class of 3000) to slapstick comedies (Semi Pro) and, more recently, acclaimed arthouse fare (High Life, Showing Up). There's a universe out there where 3000 is also the star of a long-running action franchise — back in 2003, 3000 said during a recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, he auditioned to play the role of Tej Parker in 2003's 2 Fast 2 Furious, now played by Ludacris.
The subject came up when Colbert remarked that 3000 would have been a good fit in the Fast franchise. “I would have," 3000 responds, "but I think Ludacris took the role! I actually tried out. I tried out for Fast & Furious, and Ludacris actually took the role.” Fast forward to 2023, and Luda is still playing Tej Parker in the films. But there are no sour grapes, 3000 says: "[I] wasn’t ready… I was so nervous, man. I wouldn’t hire me.” Watch the clip above via Stereogum.
Back in November, André 3000 announced his return to music with New Blue Sun, an album of flute compositions. Released the following month, 3000's first new album in 17 years, New Blue Sun outsold several rap albums in its first week of release. He's currently playing a run of North American shows.