Vin Diesel, notorious self-promoter and unofficial PR representative of theFast & Furiousfranchise, revealed thatFurious 8ismaking its way to the Big Apple. But these films have a habit of spanning the globe no matter what city becomes their base of operations. While London, Japan, and Abu Dhabi have played host to the street-racing actioners in the past, it now looks like Cuba may be joining the ranks.
THRrevealed thatFurious 8directorF. Gary Grayreturned for a scouting trip recently and moves have already been made to proceed with the paperwork. Universal said in a statement:
Universal Pictures is currently in the process seeking approval from the United States and Cuban governments to explore shooting a portion of the next installment of theFast & Furiousseries in Cuba.
If it all works out, this would makeFurious 8the first studio film to shoot on the island since the U.S. placed an embargo on the nation in the ‘60s. The action was executed on exports after Cuba took American-owned Cuban oil refineries without compensation. Last year, the U.N. condemned the action once again and the Obama administrationannounced rulesdesigned to ease trade, travel, and investment restrictions.Conanbecame the first late-night TV show to film in Cuba since the embargo when it hit up Havana in March, Bob Yari’s indie filmPapaset up shop on location in 2014, and Showtime’sHouse of Lieswill become the first American show to follow suit.
Furious 8is scheduled for release on June 23, 2025.Jason Statham, who portrayed Owen Shaw’s vengeful brother, confirmed he’ll be back for the sequel, which will likely return Diesel,Dwayne Johnson,Michelle Rodriguez,Tyrese Gibson, andLudacris. Though, following the tragic death ofPaul Walker,Jordana Brewstersaid she wasn’t sure whether or not she’d be back.
In addition toFurious 8, Universal revealed plans to give the franchise the Marvel treatment in developinga series of standalone films focusing on various characters.
