'Fast and Furious 8' updates: Film to be darker in tone; spinoffs in the works?

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While "Fast and Furious 8" is the first of the last three films set to wrap up the whole franchise, it is being said that the trilogy won't be the last time fans will see the beloved characters they came to love over the years.

According to reports, Universal Pictures is planning to develop spinoffs out of the saga. "We're certainly in conversations about how we can expand the franchise now," Universal Pictures Chairman Donna Langley told Variety.

"It's an ensemble cast and there's room to bring characters in and out," she added. In fact, Vin Diesel, who will be reprising his role as Dominic Toretto in "Fast and Furious 8," stated in the same interview that they already wrote storylines about certain characters he did not specify.

It wouldn't be hard to imagine seeing Toretto getting a standalone film or two. After all, the "Last Witch Hunter" star is very passionate about keeping the franchise alive. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has also hinted at the possibility of his character, Diplomatic Security Service agent Luke Hobbs, going solo.

As for "Fast and Furious 8," fans will notice that the film will be brooding in tone as compared to the previous films. Diesel trusts that with "A Man Apart" director F. Gary Gray taking the helm, the upcoming action movie will be distinctly dark from the ones before it.

Those who wonder whether or not the late Paul Walker will be featured in the film, NBC Universal Vice-Chairman Ron Meyer has already clarified that he "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."

Some reports are suggesting that the film will use CGI technology to slot Walker's character Brian O'Conner in the film. However, a much more ideal take is showing him in flashbacks or memory form.

"Fast and Furious 8" will be out April 14, 2017.