Fast & Furious 7 surprised everyone earlier this year when it became the fifth highest-grossing movies of all time. The critically-acclaimed movie is notable for its use of CGI to fill in scenes that Paul Walker was unable to film before his untimely death in a car accident.
The film is also notable for its stunning locations, with a particular highlight being the use of Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi. This success also obviously means that an eighth instalment is on its way. So, what do we know about the upcoming film?
Title and release date
The film will be called Fast 8, in-keeping with the creative and varied use of titles in the franchise. It is also set to be released worldwide on April 14, 2017.
Who will star in Fast 8?
In an interview Michelle Rodriguez revealed that she would love to see Angelina Jolie star in the new film, but this is unconfirmed. Helen Mirren has made no secret of her wish to be in the new movie and Vin Diesel agrees that that would be great, so this looks likely to happen.
There are also rumours that Eva Mendez is reprising her role as Agent Fuentes from 2 Fast 2 Furious, which will no doubt please long-time fans of the franchise. The Wire’s Idris Elba is also rumoured to be joining the crew, which would be very apt, considering that the actor’s passion for fast cars is well-documented.
Fans will also be pleased to know that Dwayne Johnson (AKA the Rock) is set to make a return as Hobbs. While there were doubts that he’d be coming back due to an extremely busy schedule, Johnson has confirmed his return by saying, ‘it can’t go on without Hobbs!’
Will Paul Walker return in CGI form?
No. His character Brian O’Conner was written out at the end of F7 and that is the way Diesel believes things should stay. And with Walker not in the frame, it is safe to assume that O’Conner’s wife Mia (Jordana Brewster) will also not be making an appearance, as it would be hard to justify her presence without that of her husband.
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Fast 8 will be set in New York
Previous Fast & Furious film locations have seen the blockbuster filmed in UAE to Mexico. Vin Diesel has confirmed that Fast 8 will bring the franchise to New York for the first time, having previously sped through everywhere from Dubai to London. It will be interesting to see just how fast the cars can get on the busy street of New York.
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