Not sure if you heard, but Furious 7 was kind of a big deal. Like really big. Like the cars that play such a big part of the films, the franchise is not slowing down anytime soon. Plans for the next part of the franchise are under way, and while there’s a lot we still don’t know, we just got confirmation that the filmmakers are looking to bring back the big bad from the last film. Yes, Jason Statham is in talks to return for Furious 8.
Speaking with Access Hollywood, Statham talked about the huge success that the third highest grossing movie of all time is seeing this summer. In his comments he included a note that he is already part of discussions for the next movie. He said:
We’re already talking about doing another one. Part eight. And I’m a newcomer. I just got invited to the party in this last one, so it’s nice to know I’m going to be doing another.
With Furious 7’s astronomical box office performance, and the fact that they’ve lost a major character with the death of Paul Walker, it makes sense that Universal would try to keep as many of the other actors as possible for the follow up. We already know that Vin Diesel and The Rock will be returning for the next installment, and Statham was the next big name on the list to be secured to ensure the series’ remaining star power. And if it means we get another great fight scene between The Transporter and The People’s Champion, we’re all for that.
Statham seems genuinely excited about another Fast & Furious movie, quite a compliment from a guy who recently made headlines with less than glowing comments about action scenes in some other recent films. It also sounds from Statham’s comments that the film is a bit further along than simply the idea phase. Check out his full comments in the video below.
We can only image what they have in mind to top the insanity of Furious 7. Even if the result doesn’t obliterate box office records as the current film is doing, it will certainly fill up theater seats with fans looking for another blockbuster experience. It’s also possible that Fast & Furious 8 won’t be the last either, so Statham may be hanging around this franchise long enough to make his own indelible mark.
