Fast and Furious 8 release date, cast news: Hobbs set to return for new movie

Dwayne JohnsonWikimedia Commons

Dwayne Johnson will be back on board for Fast and Furious 8. The WWE superstar and actor confirmed that he will be back for the next installment, answering the questions in mind as far as his return is concerned.

Known as the Rock, Johnson confirmed his return at press conference for his upcoming film, San Andreas. Johnson made his first appearance in Fast Five and has become a vital cog in the Fast and the Furious lineup.

With the untimely passing of Paul Walker, questions came up on who would be returning or not. Kurt Russell is one name that is expected to be back for Fast and Furious 8 but a question on Johnson's return came up especially after his contract was up. And now all those pondering have come to an end as Johnson joins Vin Diesel as the confirmed actors returning for the sequel slated to be released on April 14, 2017,

Speculations of Johnson's probable exit started with his minimal appearance on the record-breaking Fast and Furious 7. He practically appeared at the start and end of the movie, limited and hence inviting rumors that he could be out when the eighth part comes around.

For those who are unfamiliar, Hobbs joined the franchise as a CIA Agent who was initially commissioned to track down Dominic Torreto (Vin Diesel). They eventually became friends and teamed up taking on various adversaries.

Another thing that fans may want to look forward to is a planned spinoff which could be centered on agent Hobbs. Outside of aligning himself with Diesel and company, there could be more stories to tell on Hobbs, hence a possible spinoff.

Whatever the plans may be, the only thing certain is that Dwayne 'the Rock' Johnson will return on Fast and Furious 8 slated to be released in the Spring of 2017.