Charlize Theron is about to bring some Fury Road to Universal's Fast and Furious 8. A deal recently closed between Theron and the studio in advance of the franchise film's planned production start next month. The F. Gary Gray-directed film has previously courted Theron for a villainous role, but it's not quite clear just what side of the law her character will be on. All that's apparent at this point is that she'll be a new addition to the Fast and Furious franchise.
Deadline reports that the deal is well and truly done, which is a good thing considering that the Neal Mortiz-produced film is ready to go into production for a release date of April 14, 2017. Returning for the high-octane installment are Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris and Kurt Russell. Lucas Black may also return as Sean Boswell, but his role in the new film remains the subject of conversation since he's been rumored to be joining the team in a way similar to the late Paul Walker's character.
As for the potential female villain, that's a character that Gray and franchise screenwriter Chris Morgan have wanted to introduce into this series. If she's going to be bringing anything closer to her adrenaline-fueled Furiosa from George Miller's Mad Max Fury Road to the screen, then audiences should be in for one helluva ride.
Here's some confirmation courtesy of the film's Twitter account:
In related news, Game of Thrones star Kristofer Hivju has also been cast as a lead henchman on the villainous side of the eighth installment of the franchise, reported by The Wrap. The bulk of the production will take place in New York City and Atlanta when it kicks off next month, but there are also plans to shoot internationally in locales such as Iceland, Cuba and Russia.
For more on Fast and Furious 8, be sure to take a look at our recent coverage:
- Vin Diesel Announces Release Dates for ‘Fast & Furious’ 9 and 10
- ‘Furious 8’ Eyeing Cuba for Next Exotic Filming Location
- Buckle Up! ’Fast and Furious’ Spin-Offs Will Give the Franchise the Marvel Treatment
- ‘Furious 8’ to Race through New York City According to Vin Diesel
- ‘Furious 8’: F. Gary Gray Confirmed as Director
