It's been a long day without you my... director?

Judging by some new hints from "Furious 7" star/producer/spokesman Vin Diesel, the next film in the saga may have found its director. According to Deadline, "Straight Outta Compton" director F. Gary Gray is in final talks to direct the eighth film in the "Fast" franchise.

For those of you just joining us, welcome to the very public discussion of who will take the reins on "Furious 8." Last week, sources at Universal expressed worry that Diesel would want to helm the movie himself, and Diesel's mom, according to a Facebook post by Diesel, thought he'd be a fantastic choice. (Thanks, Ma.)

Nonetheless, Diesel, who is a producer with a say in who will direct the final three (!!) films in the saga, has said that he wants to announce the director for the next movie soon. (And, uh, read a script. That too.)

Yesterday, a shortlist of names, including Gray's, was reported. Diesel teased on his Facebook page that he had a meeting to attend last night (October 5), then, hours later, changed his Facebook cover photo to one of himself and the "Straight Outta Compton" director smiling in front of a collage of photos from the "Fast" franchise.

So does that mean Gray is the guy for the job? Reportedly, negotiations will begin today.

This also doesn't rule out the possibility of "The Fast and the Furious" director Rob Cohen for one last ride with the franchise, either. Our guess is that the director will be brought back to bookend the series, a move that, according to Diesel, the late Paul Walker wanted.

MTV News has reached out to Universal for comment.