'Furious 8' Has Officially Found Its Director (And It's Not Vin Diesel)
Turn the key, start your engines and hit the gas: "Furious 8" has officially found its director in "Straight Outta Compton" helmer F. Gary Gray.
After rumors earlier this week that he was in talks with Universal about taking on the latest chapter in the "Fast and Furious" saga, Gray confirmed the news today (October 8) with a post on his Facebook.
"I could not have asked for better partners than Vin Diesel, Neal H. Moritz, & the Universal Studios Entertainment family," Gray wrote, alongside a "FF8" logo with the film's April 14, 2017 release date. "Together we are excited to bring you the next chapter in the Fast & Furious saga. #FastFamily"
According to earlier reports, the studio was set on sticking with the April 2017 release date, though a script has not yet been finished and a director had not been hired for the effects and action-heavy film, just 16 months out from its release date. Some feared -- and Vin Diesel's mother hoped -- that Diesel himself, in addition to starring in and producing the series, would also take on the role of director.
Diesel has expressed hope in recent days that he'll have a draft of the script to read before he embarks on his "Last Witch Hunter" press duties.
"Furious 8" hits theaters April 14, 2017.