When it comes to running before you can walk, or as is the case with this franchise, bombing down the street at 80 MPH before you can confidently find the biting point, Fast & Furious 7 has its pedal to the metal. Fast & Furious 6 is still weeks away from hitting cinema screens yet its follow up is well underway. The latest chunk of news? Recently-back-from-the-dead Michelle Rodriguez made comments to DesdeHollywood confirming that Jason Statham is definitely in the series.
The rumours going round re: his alleged role all point to him becoming the film’s villain. Allegedly he’ll play Ian Shaw, the brother of Fast & Furious 6 bad guy Owen Shaw (played by Luke Evans.) Much like Fast Five had a mid-credits exposition sequence, so too will Fast & Furious 6. As we learned of Michelle Rodriguez’ return via that method, we’ll witness Statham make his Fast debut at the end of Fast 6. Confused? Well, don’t be. Here’s what Rodriguez had to say about working with a crew of badasses:
“Jason Statham, Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, when you see these guys in a room you know they belong together […] You can see in their eyes that they have gone through a lot […] I applaud Universal for getting him on-board!”
News has kicked up in recent weeks with the sequel storming into pre-production. Aiming for a shoot this summer, the franchise has seen the departure of director Justin Lin who helmed the previous four instalments, including the soon-to-be-released Fast & Furious 6. The announcement of his replacement James Wan has been met with glee, at the hopes he’ll steer future sequels in a new direction.
Speaking at the Universal conference at CinemaCon, Fast alumni Vin Diesel made it clear the franchise has the horse power (geddit?) to…well, never end really. He boasted the possibility of “two or three more movies down the road.” Expect to watch Fast & Furious 17: Still Gassy, with your grandkids.
Fast & Furious 6 arrives in theatres on May 24th, 2013….and Fast & Furious 7 is scheduled for July 11th, 2014.
Published: May 7, 2013 12:52 pm