'Fast and Furious 8' news: Director promises 'fresh' story; Vin Diesel shares first promo image

 Fast & Furious/Official Facebook Page

Seven blockbuster movies later, the high-octane "Fast and Furious" franchise is still a crowd favorite although some fans have the underlying worry that the trilogy, which will ultimately end the saga, will not be as great as it should be.

However, "Straight Outta Compton" director F. Gary Gray, who took the mantle from helmer James Wan, promises that he will keep "Feast and Furious 8" and the following films fresh.

"It's a combination of both. When you look at someone like J.J. Abrams who gives you the spectacle and great action set pieces but also gives you character and plotting and narrative, I think it's my job—and my intention—to do both," Gray told Collider of his plans for "Fast and Furious 8."

Gray adds that he will "amp up everything" and make sure every aspect of the film such as the story, the action and the performances will be on point in interlacing one big spectacle.

"Hopefully I bring more to it, part of the point is to bring something different to the franchise while still satisfying what the fans want," the director went on to say.

Gray is working on making "Fast and Furious 8" both familiar and new to fans who have stuck with the franchise. He explained that the movie will feel "different" even though the characters fans know so well are there.

It was previously revealed that "Fast and Furious 8" will be filmed in Cuba. The first promo star Vin Diesel shared on Instagram also confirmed that the film will be indeed be set in New York.

The photo showed that the film will have the tagline "New roads ahead." It will also be the first film without Paul Walker in it, although it is safe to say that the late star's character Brian O'Conner will be there in some way, shape or form.

A photo posted by Vin Diesel (@vindiesel) on

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

News
Archbishop of Canterbury calls for peace in first Easter sermon
Archbishop of Canterbury calls for peace in first Easter sermon

Dame Sarah Mullally has used her first Easter Day sermon as Archbishop of Canterbury to renew calls for peace in the Middle East. 

Easter Sunday and the hope of resurrection
Easter Sunday and the hope of resurrection

The hope of the resurrection is especially precious in a world filled with grief, violence, uncertainty, and pain.

Activists warn Syriacs being erased in Syria
Activists warn Syriacs being erased in Syria

The Syriacs are mostly Christian.

New Iraq report urges stronger action to protect Christians and other religious minorities
New Iraq report urges stronger action to protect Christians and other religious minorities

Jim Shannon MP said the report records both “the progress observed” and “the ongoing challenges” that remain for religious minorities seeking to live in safety and freedom in Iraq.