Fast 9 is being pushed back to 2020, which is unfortunate news for fans who had hoped they would see Dom and the crew tear up the streets of another city with their souped-up cars. But on the bright side, the Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham untitled Fast and Furious spinoff is targeting a 2019 release. More on the story below.

The Hollywood Reporter says the spinoff film will be released on July 26, 2019. Chris Morgan, who has been a part of the Fast franchise since he penned Tokyo Drift, will write the script.

The spinoff would obviously reunite Luke Hobbs, the muscular U.S. agent, with Deckard Shaw, the deadly assassin who tried to kill Dom and his crew in an act of revenge in Furious 7, only to be forced to work with them to stop a terrorist in Fate of the Furious. And it was the chemistry between the two that sparked the studio’s interest in getting a spinoff off the ground. But it is important to note that no deals have been made with the actors. So it should be interesting to see how this project moves forward, especially since we know that Johnson has a very busy schedule.

The spinoff will help fill the void left behind by Fast 9, and also give Universal time to find a director for it. According to THR’s sources, Justin Lin could return to direct the ninth installment of the lucrative franchise. In fact, reports are saying he is topping the list.

Here’s what Universal Pictures chairman Donna Langley told The Hollywood Reporter:

The Fast and Furious franchise has gone beyond the racing-culture film and has since become a global phenomenon that has resonated with the world with high-speed chases, fun heists, and over-the-top action sequences. Though the franchise may feel like it’s currently low on gas, fans have remained loyal to the family. So we can probably expect to see more of these films and even more spinoffs if the franchise continues to produce box office success.

[Source: THR]