In April of last year Helen Mirren made the unexpected statement that she wanted to star in the eighth Fast and Furious movie, and even do her own driving.

At the time Furious 7 hadn’t even been released yet and it wasn’t clear if there would even be a Fast and Furious 8, but Dame Helen Mirren hath spoken and the universe listens. Not only was Fast 8 (or whatever the hell they’re calling the next one—what sane human being can keep track at this point) confirmed to be on the way, but now Mirren has actually joined the cast.

Earlier this year it was being reported that Charlize Theron was being courted to play the villain in Fast 8. Details on who the character is weren’t exactly clear as the role was being kept a secret.

Now it is being confirmed that the Mad Max: Fury Road actress will indeed be joining Vin Diesel‘s major car franchise as the film’s antagonist. More on the story below.

When it comes to big blockbuster franchises, if you are not a part of a shared universe, then you aren’t doing it right. Marvel Studios is doing it with the MCU, and WB is doing it for their DC Comics in the DCCU. Some studios have attempted and failed to make their own, while others are playing catch up. But for the Fast and Furious franchise, now seems like the perfect time to jump on the shared universe bandwagon, and cash-in on the biggest Hollywood trend.

Franchise star Vin Diesel shared the latest development in a recent interview while talking about Furious 8 and the future of the franchise. More on the story below.

It was only yesterday that a reported shortlist had Straight Outta Compton director F. Gary Gray as a frontrunner to helm Furious 8. The Incredible Hulk“˜s Louis Leterrier, You’re Next‘s Adam Wingard, and The Signal‘s William Eubank were also among the top candidates for the job.

Vin Diesel consults with Universal on their decision but ultimately, he is not the one who gets to hire or fire. Despite that, he and producer Neal Mortiz have been in talks with the four choices, and it seems that they have settled on Gray. More on the story below.

Rumors of Vin Diesel possibly directing Fast and Furious 8 started to emerge when reports surfaced of the film experiencing production problems before lensing. The actor was quick to distance himself from the job saying he wasn’t interested in getting involved in studio politics. But he did confirm that he talked to Universal, and promised that there will be one final Fast and Furious trilogy. He added that he and producing partner Neal Moritz weren’t simply going to sign off on any director for a franchise as special as Fast and Furious, and that no one has seen a script.

Well, a lot has changed since that time. Now, a couple of reports have pegged Straight Outta Compton helmer F. Gary Gray, The Incredible Hulk‘s Louis Leterrier, and You’re Next‘s Adam Wingard as in line to direct Fast and Furious 8. More on the story below.