CEBU, Philippines - You better buckle up, Charlize Theron!
Rumors have swirled that “The Huntsman: Winter’s War” star would be joining “Fast and Furious 8,” but it wasn’t until Thursday that the franchise confirmed her role. Posting a photo of the blond bombshell under “#8,” production wrote, “Our crew will face its greatest adversary ever in our next film as we welcome Charlize Theron to the ‘Fast’ family. 4.14.17. #F8.”
Theron, who is set to play a villain in the newest installment, joins returning stars Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Dwayne Johnson, Tyrese Gibson and Jason Statham. This is just the latest piece of news about the ever-growing franchise. Diesel confirmed in February that not only will there be a “Fast 8,” but there will also be “Fast 9” and “Fast 10.”
“Fast 8” is set for release on April 14, 2017, while “Fast 9” and “Fast 10” are hitting theaters on April 19, 2019 and April 2, 2021, respectively.
“Fast 8” will not feature Paul Walker, who tragically died in a car accident while filming “Fast 7.” Fans weren't sure whether the cast would continue on without Walker, but Rodriguez teased to E! News that they would unite again.
“We need a good reason to move on after Paul [Walker],” she told E! News last September. “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.”
She continued, “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.”
“Straight Outta Compton” director F. Gary Gray is directing the next installment. (FREEMAN)