The US and Cuba have been repairing their diplomatic relationship, and now the film franchise that has been around the world from Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, London and Abu Dhabi is going to make history as the first Hollywood to shoot in Cuba after the countries' relationships have begun to normalize. Fast 8 is going to be racing to the big screen next year.
In April, the Fast & Furious Twitter account began announcing cast members. "Our crew will face its greatest adversary in our next film," stated one tweet on April 11th. "Welcome Charlize Theron to the Fast family. 4.14.17. #F8"
Our crew will face its greatest adversary in our next film. Welcome Charlize Theron to the Fast family. 4.14.17. #F8 pic.twitter.com/6QIQz6UcWR
— Fast & Furious (@FastFurious) April 7, 2016
Then on April 11th,"Kurt Russell's Mr. Nobody has a new protégé. Welcome @ScottEastwood to the Fast family. 4.14.17. #F8"
Eastwood, is son of actor and director, Clint Eastwood, and appeared in his first film, Flags of Our Fathers, which was directed by his father.
On his Instagram account, Eastwood posted a tribute to his friend, Paul Walker, star of previous Fast and Furious films who died in a car accident unrelated to the filming when he was filming Furious 7.
"It's hard to put into words how excited I am for the next Fast & Furious,"said Eastwood. "To me, the series is so much more than just a franchise. It's a legacy. These great actors who have been in it together for so long have become a family. I absolutely can't wait to join it. Now I can't say too much, but I get to play a new character who operates under Kurt Russell in the movie, which is incredible, because Kurt was a total childhood hero of mine growing up. Very much looking forward to learning a thing or two from such an original and cool guy. Paul was a close friend of mine. We surfed together, traveled together, and he was a huge role model and influencing figure in my life when I was younger. He still is. He was an older brother to me. For me to be able to add to the F&F story, Paul's story, and the FAST family is like a dream come true. Gary Gray and Neal Moritz - I can't wait to get started and dive in. Vin - thank you for the support and the insight. Paul - I am going to make you proud."
Every Friday, the Fast & Furious twitter account will post updates and more moments from the set of Fast 8.
On Instagram, fastandfuriousmovie posted a sneak peek behind the film that showcases the cars and the people of Cuba.
#F8 is making history in Cuba. #FastFridays
A video posted by Fast & Furious (@fastandfuriousmovie) on May 6, 2016 at 3:09pm PDT
Fast 8 is due in theaters April 14th, 2017
