You better buckle up, Charlize Theron!
Rumors have swirled that The Huntsman: Winter's War star would be joining Fast and Furious 8, but it wasn't until Thursday that the franchise confirmed her role. Posting a photo of the blond bombshell under "#8," production wrote, "Our crew will face its greatest adversary ever in our next film as we welcome Charlize Theron to the Fast family. 4.14.17. #F8."
Theron, who is set to play a villain in the newest installment, joins returning stars Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Dwayne Johnson, Tyrese Gibson and Jason Statham. This is just the latest piece of news about the ever-growing franchise, which actually is receiving a trilogy. Diesel confirmed in February that not only will there be a Fast 8 but there will also be Fast 9 and Fast 10. How's that for the high-speed chase lovers of the world?
Fast 8 is set for release Apr. 14, 2017, while Fast 9 and Fast 10 are hitting theaters on Apr. 19, 2019, and Apr. 2, 2021, respectively.
Straight Outta Compton director F. Gary Gray is directing the next installment, which he announced on social media. "I could not have asked for better partners than Vin Diesel, Neal H. Moritz, & the Universal Studios Entertainment family," he posted on Facebook. "Together we are excited to bring you the next chapter in the Fast & Furious saga. #FastFamily."
Fast 8 will not feature Paul Walker, who tragically died in a car accident while filming Fast 7. Fans weren't sure whether the cast would continue on without Walker, but Michelle Rodriguez teased to E! News that they would unite again.
"We need a good reason to move on after Paul [Walker]," she told us last September. "And being that this is a global franchise now, it's not just the American baby, it's important that we consider moving on and take it seriously."
She continued, "But for us as a cast, I think we need a reason and it needs to have heart, so hopefully we'll find it, you know? And somebody who's passionate about directing it—I think that's the most important thing is finding a good director."
What do you think of Theron's casting? Sound off in the comments!
(E! and Universal Pictures are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)