Actor Vin Diesel has confirmed that Universal Studios had already given permission for the creation of three more films in the ‘Fast and the Furious’ franchise.
‘Furious 7,’ which was unveiled earlier this year, raked in over $1.5billion in the global box office and helped the studio in smashing a number of records. Subsequently, the last three movies are expected to allow the popular film franchise to pull in larger figures.
Diesel already took to social media and shared a personal message on Facebook, writing a letter of thanks to the fans of the ‘Fast and the Furious’ films. He also mentioned being grateful to becoming a producer for the movies as well as the valuable feedback that he has obtained for the improvement of such projects.
In addition, the 48-year-old actor confirmed that a director for ‘Furious 8’ is yet to be chosen while a script is still set to be penned.
“Universal has been so good to me and so trusting of the vision … they have been like family …,” Diesel added. “I promised the studio I would deliver one last Trilogy to end the saga. I will announce the directors on my next post …”
Although there have been mixed reports about certain backstage issues for the upcoming sequel, it has been confirmed that Lucas Black, who was initially asked to direct the seventh movie, and James Wan, who ended up helming the film, are both unavailable for ‘Furious 8.’
Meanwhile, co-star Michelle Rodriguez opened up about the eighth installment of the popular franchise, which is expected to be tinged with sadness with the absence of the late actor Paul Walker. Nonetheless, this will become a positive means of coping with his death, the 37-year-old actress assured fans.
"We need a good reason to move on after Paul," she shared. "And being that this is a global franchise now, it's not just the American baby, it's important that we consider moving on and take it seriously."
Rodriguez added, "But for us as a cast, I think we need a reason and it needs to have heart, so hopefully we'll find it, you know? And somebody who's passionate about directing it—I think that's the most important thing is finding a good director.”
Walker had already finished filming several scenes for ‘Furious 7’ when he got involved in a car crash on Nov. 30, 2013 and died at the age of 40. His brothers, Cody and Caleb Walker, stepped in to finish his scenes and complete the film on his behalf.
Aside from Rodriguez and Diesel, cast members set to return and reprise their roles for the sequel include Jordana Brewster, Ludacris, Kurt Russell, Tyrese Gibson, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Elsa Pataky and Lucas Black.
‘Furious 8’ is still in the pre-production phase but is set for an official release in April 2017.
