'Fast 8' release date news, cast updates: Diesel talks Oscar; Cody Walker won't be Brian O'Conner's double

Vin Diesel as Dominic Torreto in "Fast 8" Facebook/FastandFurious

Vin Diesel has proudly claimed that their upcoming sequel to "Fast & Furious 7" is worthy of winning an Oscar. Meanwhile, Cody Walker will not be appearing to portray the role of Paul Walker.

ET confirmed that "Straight Outta Compton" director F. Gary Gray has taken over "Fast 8," and Diesel is confident that Gray will bring them to the Oscars after his latest movie was snubbed.

"I think he went into making this movie with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder, going 'Oh, really? Ok. Now I'm going to take the biggest saga in the world, and I'm about to throw Oscars at you,'" Diesel shared with ET. "Wait till you see what he does!" added Diesel.

Diesel describes "Fast 8" as different from the previous installments and that it has a darker tone to it. He also shared that his character Dominic Torreto will have an inner struggle. "My character is conflicted in a way that is really going to shock you. He's coming off of a lot of emotion from 7 and the loss that 7 represents," explained the actor.

Meanwhile, a lot of fans are expecting that Brian O'Conner (previously played by Paul Walker) will appear in "Fast 8" to be portrayed by his brother Cody Walker with the help of a little CGI.

However, Polygon confirmed that Cody will not be appearing in "Fast 8." A representative from Universal Pictures killed all rumors by saying that "there's no truth" behind the rumors.

Diesel shared that the official trailer for "Fast 8" will be released on Dec. 11 on the screens at Times Square. It seems that the appearance of the movie trailer at Times Square is connected to the plot, as Diesel says that "everything is going to make sense" once the trailers debut.

"Fast 8" premieres on April 14, 2017.

News
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight

The incoming Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, has come under pressure over her handling of past safeguarding cases. 

Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial
Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial

A leading figure among conservative evangelical Anglicans will not stand trial for alleged abuse, it has emerged.

Church of England bishops delay final decision on same-sex blessings
Church of England bishops delay final decision on same-sex blessings

The Church of England's House of Bishops has postponed a final decision on the Living in Love and Faith process as it continues to work on proposals. 

Faith in the festive chaos: how you can sustain your family’s faith this Christmas
Faith in the festive chaos: how you can sustain your family’s faith this Christmas

Anna Hawken, Parenting for Faith from BRF Ministries, has some helpful tips for families to connect with God in the midst of the "December tornado".