Fast 8 just scored an major casting. Helen Mirren will be in Fast 8. Mirren confirmed the casting herself.
“I want to be making film and theater, but film is particularly relevant. I like it to be serious. Of course, having said that I’m about to do Fast and Furious 8. But that’s for the fun of it. So maybe that’s what I want as well, some fun and some relevant, serious, important movies.”
This Oscar-winner elaborated on her discussion to join the Fast & Furious franchise, which is currently being directed by F. Gary Gray (Straight Outta Compton).
“I’ve always rather loved driving. I said, ‘I’ll be in it, but only if I’m allowed to drive if I do drive in it.’ But we’ll see. We’ll see how it transpires. I love big, fun movies–as long as they’re well made and they’ve got good scripts. That’s the most important thing.”
Back in 2015, Mirren had hinted at wanting to become a part of the project during an interview with Yahoo! Movies.
“My great ambition is to be in a Fast and Furious movie. I so want to be a mad driver in a Fast and Furious movie. My claim to fame is I always do my own driving – I was on Top Gear, and I did [my lap] in a very good time. I keep putting it out there, and they never ask me. I’ll be in Fast and Furious 8, I have to say Vin Diesel is brilliant. I love Vin Diesel. He’s a great guy, smart – I love him. It’s partly because of him I’d like to be in one, but also the driving.”
The eighth film in the Fast and Furious franchise is being directed by Straight Outta Compton‘s F. Gary Gray and is currently filming on location in Cuba. Fast 8 will be the first Hollywood film since 1960 to shoot in Cuba. The film will be primarily set in New York City and will reportedly also honor the late Paul Walker by going back to street racing instead of special effect heavy action sequences. Production for the film will be based in Atlanta, GA, like the previous film, but locations such as Russia and Iceland are being considered.
Returning cast members include Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Kurt Russel and Scott Eastwood are also joining the film alongside Charlize Theron.
The previous installment, which had the final appearance of the late Paul Walker, earned $1.5 billion worldwide.
Fast 8 is set to hit theaters in April 14th 2017.
Source: Elle via Entertainment Weekly
