Yesterday we reported that Joaquim de Almeida and Elsa Pataky had been added to the cast of Uni’s “Fast Five”, the fifth in the money spinning “Fast and the Furious” series – but unfortunately, nobody knew too much about their characters besides that de Almeida would reportedly be playing the villain, some kind of drug lord, whilst Pataky would be playing Vin Diesel’s love interest in the film.
Overnight, I heard from someone connected to the film who has supplied more details on de Almeida and Pataky’s characters, as well as provided details on some of the film’s supporting characters.

Hernan Reyes (Joaquim de Almeida)

Described as a “heartless, incredibly strong and charming Latino runs the local drug ring. He is just as cruel as he is smart; he has most of the local law enforcement and bureaucrats in his pocket.” Was responsible for the death of Elena’s (Elsa Pataky) partner. Has assigned his men Lanzo, Berto and Capa to go undercover in Dom’s gang.Reyes’ number two is a guy named Zizi, who “has an eerie appearance” and is “a fearsome man. He is compliant to his employer’s demands. Is not squeamish when it comes to doing what needs to be done.”

Elena Neves (Elsa Pataky)

Elena is said to be “a Hard and still gorgeous law enforcement agent. Has a harsh background from a grueling ghetto. Is known for her ability to keep her morals in tact.” She forms a unique bond with fugitive Dom (Vin Diesel) since they’ve both lost their loved ones – in her case, her police-officer husband who Reyes murdered. It’s a difficult relationship, being that their both working on opposite sides, but like Dom & Brian in the original, they ultimately unite to bring down a common enemy.

Finally, our contact tells us that Jordana Brewster will – despite not having been mentioned as doing so – be returning as Dom’s sister/Brian’s love ‘Mia’. “[Mia] and Brian are the central characters in the big opening number”, we’re told.

Here’s the story from yesterday….

Popular ’90s screen villain Joaquim de Almeida, best known for his roles in “Clear and Present Danger” (the Latin Jack Ryan) and “Desperado”, will be out to disconnect Vin Diesel’s muffler in “Fast Five”, Uni’s fourth sequel to 2001 hit “The Fast and the Furious”, says Latino Review.

De Ameida, recently seen in “Che : Part 2”, will be playing a powerful Drug Lord in the Justin Lin-directed actioner.

Elsa Pataky and Matt Schulze have also joined the cast. Pataky, who appeared in “Snakes on a Plane”, will play Diesel’s love interest; Schulze reprises his role as Vince from the original film.

Vin Diesel and Paul Walker are back as revheads Dom and Brian, this time on the run from a relentless law enforcer, played by Dwayne Johnson.

Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Jordana Brewster, TJ Hassan and LA’Tino also star.