‘Fast and Furious 8’ Update: Film Having Difficulty Finding a Director

"Fast and Furious 8" might be delayed due to its struggles of finding a director after James Wan, the director behind "Furious 7," decided to pass on the project in order to focus on another moive, The Hollywood Reporter stated.

Per THR:

"But while Universal had contractual options on Wan to direct the eighth and ninth installments, the filmmaker informed the studio before Furious 7 was finished that he instead wished to direct a sequel to his 2013 hit The Conjuring for New Line Cinema. Universal accepted Wan's decision, but according to sources, when Justin Lin, who directed the third through sixth movies in the series, chose to make the next Star Trek rather than return for Furious 8, the studio went back to Wan with an especially rich plea (one source describes it as 'life-altering money') to direct at least one more installment."

Jaume Collet-Serra, who directed "Non-Stop," was also reportedly approached but was not available. Now, "Fast 8," which is the unofficial title that Vin Diesel used, is scrambling to find a director who will not ruin the franchise. So far, the project has Chris Morgan as the screenwriter.

Aside from finding a director, "Fast 8" is also looking to add more women to the original cast, the rumors claimed. Actresses Helen Mirren, Ruby Rose and Cara Delevingne have all been linked. Angelina Jolie is rumored to be playing a villain although this possibility seems to be very unlikely since Jolie will be busy directing a movie for Netflix.

Eva Mendes is rumored to be making a return to the franchise whereas Jordana Brewster will most likely be making an exit. Other returning cast members include Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Dwayne Johnson, Kurt Russell and Jason Statham.

"Fast 8" is set to be released in theaters in April 2017.