(LOS ANGELES) — F. Gary Gray confirmed Thursday that he’ll be directing the next installment in the Fast & Furiousfranchise, Furious 8.
The Straight Outta Compton director tweeted: “Cant ask for better partners than Vin, Neal & Universal. Excited to bring u the next chapter of the #FastFamily saga.”
Although it was previously reported that star and producer Vin Diesel wanted to direct himself, it seems Universal chose Gray after the star and the director met, Deadline reports.
It’s no surprise that Gray, who has directed Friday and The Italian Job, was tapped for the job as his latest film, Compton was critically acclaimed and also raked in more than $200 million at the box office worldwide.
The entire cast of Furious 7 minus the late Paul Walker reportedly is on board for the next film, which will begin production in April 2016.
Copyright © 2015, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.