Vin Diesel Announces ‘Fast And Furious 8’ Release Date; Brian O’Connor To Be Played By Mystery Cast Member?

Fans were thrilled to hear the news that "Fast and Furious 8" release date is happening in 2017.

It was also announced that the upcoming movie might expand its franchise and news as to whether Paul Walker will be replaced in the upcoming film's cast.

It was recently reported that Cody Walker, the late Paul Walker's brother, has joined the casting line up of "Fast and Furious 8."

It was revealed by a listing on the IMDB page that F. Gary Gray will be directing the film along with supposed reprisal of Mia Toretto-O'Connor.

In relation to the reprisal of these two characters, Latinos Health reported that Universal Pictures Chairman Donna Langley already talked about the different ways they could further expand the story of the franchise by either putting out sequels or prequels.

"We're certainly in conversations about how we can expand the franchise now," the Chairman said. "It's an ensemble cast and there's room to bring characters in and out."

However, NBC Universal Vice Chairman Ron Meyer's previous statement debunked the rumors claiming that Cody Walker would once again replace the late Paul Walker via CGI in the "Fast and Furious 8."

"Paul won't be in it, but he'll be represented in some form or another but whether his image is in it, I can't tell you yet, but he won't be in the film as a performer, as an actor, the way we did it last time," Ron Meyer said according to N4BB.

"It will still be Fast and Furious, it will just be without Paul."

Meanwhile, Movie News Guide insisted that "Fast and Furious 8" will feature a darker plot with Paul Walker's character still on the sequel.

In other "Fast and Furious" news, Vin Diesel might have hinted that fans might see the actor starring in a solo spinoff once the "Fast and Furious 8" is released, EnStarz reported.

"We've written out story lines for various characters," the actor said.

"We've been playing with it for a long time. It's a very rich property and we're committed to treating it with a lot of class." 

In addition to Vin Diesel, original cast members Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Michelle Rodriguez, Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham are going to reprise their roles in the sequel to be directed by F. Gary Gray ("Straight Outta Compton).

"Fast and Furious 8" release date is said to be scheduled on April 14, 2017.