'Fast and Furious 8' movie release date, cast news: Paul Walker's brother Cody joining?

With "Fast and Furious 8" already confirmed, as well as two more sequels planned, speculations about the casting are making waves online.

Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson and Jason Statham have already confirmed their return to the eighth installation to the "Fast and Furious" franchise. It is unknown if other cast members have been contracted to reprise their roles once more.

In other news, Paul Walker's brother, Cody Walker, is rumored to be joining the rest of the cast for the racing sequel. Cody previously acted as Paul's body double on "Fast and Furious 7" after the latter tragically died in an unfortunate car accident.

It has been reported by Movie Pilot that Cody might be cast as Brian O'Conner's (Paul's character) little brother, who was thought to have perished in the war.

But because many fans want to see Brian alive in the sequel, there's also a likely chance that Cody will act as a stand-in for his brother and the film will employ computer-generated effects once more to achieve what they had previously done.

Rumor has it that English actress Helen Mirren is also being considered to take part in the sequel. Diesel, who plays Dominic Toretto, further fueled the speculations in an interview with MTV news.

"I think everyone should do the franchise. They've gotta get in line behind Helen Mirren. She is on the list. Be careful what you wish for, Helen," he teased.

Another casting rumor involves actor Matt Damon, who happens to be Gibson's top choice to join the cast.

He previously expressed his wish in an interview with Toronto Sun. "There is definitely a number eight, yeah! And I want Matt Damon to join us."

It seems that "Fast and Furious 8" is developing a taste for Academy Award winners.

The "Fast and Furious" franchise is definitely one of Hollywood's success stories. As a whole, the series has grossed over $3 billion in worldwide revenues, according to Box Office Mojo.

"Fast and Furious 8" races into cinemas on April 14, 2017.

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