With "Fast and Furious 8" heading to theaters on April 14, 2017, rumors regarding the cast and plot have been circulating ahead of the premiere date. There is now speculation that the film's producers are bringing back a former female character. Also, Dwayne Johnson and Kurt Russell are said to be joining the cast as well.

While it is fun to ruminate on gossip, all rumors should be taken with the proverbial grain of salt.

Eva Mendes May Join the Cast

On Monday, WeGotThisCovered interviewed an alleged source close to the Fast & Furious 8 production. Apparently, Universal is engaged in talks with Eva Mendes. The insider also claimed that Mendes's character Special Agent Monica Fuentes will team up with the protagonists during a storyline in New York City.

Mendes previously starred in a large role for "2 Fast and 2 Furious" before making a cameo appearance in "Fast Five." Even if it is true, this latest leak information does not confirm anything as talks can potentially fail at any time. Eva is not the only actress recently rumored to be joining the cast.

Ruby Rose, who is better known as Stella Carlin in "Orange is the New Black," confirmed that she is presently undergoing talks with the "Fast and Furious 8" production team.

"My last audition before Orange was for Fast And Furious 7. But they didn't want me because one of the main guys said I looked like Justin Bieber!" Rose said to The Today Show, and later quoted by Inquistr. "It's so funny because now I'm in talks with that movie and I haven't mentioned to them that I know [they turned me down because I looked like Justin]."

Dwayne Johnson May Return

Actor Dwayne Johnson may reprise his role as DSS Federal Agent Luke Hobbes. In May, Johnson was asked by NerdReport whether he would be back for "Fast and Furious 8."  

"Of course, can't go on without Hobbs," Johnson answered. As of now, Universal has not officially confirm whether the Hobbs character will show up in Furious 8.

Kurt Russell Casting in 'Furious 7' Was Part of a Larger Plan

Iconic action star, Kurt Russell, is said to be returning in "Fast and Furious 8." In a cameo appearance in "Furious Seven," Russell starred as the shadowy government agent named Mr. Nobody.

In late March, Vin Diesel said on Jimmy Kimmel Live that Russell will be appearing in a future New York storyline. Kurt was specifically hired in Furious 7 to appear in that scene, Vin Diesel revealed.

It is unclear how much of the film will be based in New York. Previous Furious films have included scenes from cities including Rio de Janeiro, London, Dubai, and Tokyo. Even so, the series consistently returns to its roots in Los Angeles.

Russell is perhaps better known for his role as Snake Plissken in the 1981 cult-classic "Escape from New York." Hence, rumors suggest that it is no coincidence he is showing up for Furious 8 in New York City.