“Fast & Furious 8,” which already has an April 14, 2017 playdate, has been cited as the second of the final trilogy to end the film.
This was confirmed no less by Vin Diesel, who is the lead star and also the film producer of the very successful franchise.
With the demise of Paul Walker and his character Brian O’Connor, “Fast & Furious 7” became the most successful movie of the franchise when it was shown in April, moving on to become the fifth highest-grossing movie of all time.
While it would be a tough act to follow for Dominic ‘Dom’ Torreto and his gang, it is still worth a try. But as a sensible businessman and producer that he is, Vin Diesel feels that the end is near for the franchise, in as far as its run in the movies is concerned.
Apparently, the actor and producer once again confirmed that “Fast & Furious 8” will be the second of the final trilogy that will put an end to the franchise for good. This means that after “Fast & Furious 8,” there will be a “Fast & Furious 9,” which will tie all loose ends and wrap things up for good, notes The Guardian.
Too special a franchise
Vin Diesel made the confirmation through his Facebook page where he posted that the fans of the “Fast & Furious” saga are the best fans in the world. He added that since he became the producer of the franchise in 2008, the same fans have been with him every step of the way, giving him feedbacks that proved invaluable.
The actor also quashed rumors or speculations that the franchise was having difficulty finding a new director when he said that he and his producing partner Neal Moritz would love to get a director for the eighth installment of the very successful franchise, but he said that it is just too special so it has to be carefully handled.
Diesel also affirmed that no one has been offered yet to helm “Fast & Furious 8,” let alone a script. He also thanked Universal Studios for being so good to him and trusting his vision. The actor said that the studio has been like family to him and mentioned that he would deliver one last trilogy to end the saga.
He ended his Facebook post by stating that he will keep everyone informed of any update. This only means that Vin Diesel will be making a decision on the director of “Fast 8” soon. But everyone is sure excited on who Universal and Diesel will tap to helm the film.
While Justin Lin would have been a good choice since he helmed four of the seven movies of the franchise, but he is busy working on “Star Trek: Beyond.” The very successful “Furious 7” director James Wan has also backed out because he has decided to go back to directing horror movies. Wan is apparently making “The Conjuring 2” which will come out in 2016.
Paul’s influence
“Fast & Furious 7” is the series closure to the character played by the late Paul Walker in the franchise.
It was clear from the ending that Dominic Toretto, played by Vin Diesel, and the rest of the gang has said goodbye to Brian O’Connor and most especially to Paul Walker as a colleague and good friend.
While Paul Walker will no longer be in the next sequel of the movie “Fast & Furious 8” to be shown in April 14, 2017, his influence will still be in the film, says actress Michelle Rodriguez, who plays Letty Ortiz in the franchise.
Rodriguez only confirmed the recent statement of Vin Diesel in an earlier interview that Walker will still have his influence on the film because he is part of the franchise and the family no matter what.
In a recent interview, Michelle disclosed that they will start filming for “Fast & Furious 8” in summer of 2016 and that it would be a bittersweet experience for everyone in the troop without Paul.