‘Fast and Furious 8’ Latest Update: Is ‘Straight Outta Compton’ Director the Frontrunner?

F. Gary Gray, the director behind "Straight Outta Compton," is rumored to be the frontrunner to direct the eighth installment of the "Fast and Furious" franchise, The Wrap reported first.

According to several media outlets, Universal Studios chose Gray over other directors, who included Louis Leterrier, Adam Wingard and William Eubank, late Monday night. Although the report has not been confirmed, the rumor was fueled after Vin Diesel, who plays Dominic Toretto, posted a picture of himself with Grey sitting alongside a framed collage of "Fast and Furious" photos.

The Wrap noted that Gray would follow Universal's streak of hiring a diverse cast and crew for the "Fast and Furious" franchise. Previous directors included James Wan and Justin Lin. Wan and Lin both reportedly passed on the eighth movie due to their commitments to other projects. Wan is working on a sequel to his 2013 hit, "The Conjuring" while Lin is focused on making the next "Star Trek."

The director, who has had a very successful year with "Compton," has experience working on action movies. He previously directed "The Italian Job" and "The Negotiator."

Gray has worked with Diesel before back in 2003 on the film "A Man Apart." He has also worked with Dwayne Johnson on the crime comedy, "Be Cool."

Gray is also rumored to be in the running to direct Marvel's "Black Panther," which will be the first solo superhero movie featuring a non-white lead. "Black Panther" has a 2018 release date, which means that Gray could potentially agree to both projects although his schedule would be extremely packed.

Production for the movie is set to start next spring. "Fast and Furious 8" is scheduled to be released in theaters on April 14, 2017.