Fast Friday is upon us, dear readers, and in keeping up tradition, Universal has rolled out the latest set video for its barnstorming action sequel, Fast 8.
Teasing vehicular mayhem and a family reunion, this week’s vignette marks a milestone for F. Gary Gray and his crew, as Fast 8 is now officially past the halfway point in production ahead of its arrival in April of next year. And what better way to celebrate than offer up a sizzle reel packed to the rafters with death-defying stunts and explosions?
Action set-pieces aside, it’s fair to say that the stars have aligned for Fast 8. Not only is Gray coming off the back of the overly successful Straight Outta Compton, but Universal’s Fast and Furious franchise reached all new heights with the launch of Furious 7 in 2015, comfortably landing the series among Hollywood’s billion-dollar blockbusters. But can the studio replicate such a triumphant success?
On board to help make that goal a reality are Dwayne Johnson as the inimitable Luke Hobbs – who looks set to enjoy a fair chunk of screentime in the sequel – Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Elsa Pataky, Nathalie Emmanuel, Lucas Black, Jason Statham, Kurt Russell, Suicide Squad s Scott Eastwood, Kristofer Hivju, Helen Mirren, and Charlize Theron.
Fast 8 makes a beeline for theaters on April 14, 2017. Plans are in place for two additional sequels beyond 2017, not to mention chatter of character-driven spinoffs that could potentially subject the Toretto crew to the prequel treatment.