During the recently concluded CinemaCon event in Las Vegas, Universal Pictures announced its upcoming slate of films and offered a preview of some films and a schedule for their release. When the conversation turned to the future of the Fast & Furious franchise, series star Vin Diesel took the stage to provide some big news: The next film in the franchise will hit theaters April 14, 2017.
Back in November, Universal indicated plans to release three more Fast & Furious movies, as well as potential spin-off projects that would focus on individual characters and expand the franchise. With Furious 7 already having earned more than $1.1 billion at the worldwide box office and becoming the fastest movie to hit $1 billion in Hollywood history, it’s clear that those plans have not only been validated but shifted into high gear.
Currently holding its position as the 50th highest-grossing film in the U.S. of all time, Furious 7 has earned more than $300 million domestically so far in its run — which is still happening, so that number is likely to increase.
A phenomenon at the worldwide box office, Fast & Furious also holds the distinction of being the most successful live-action movie franchise of all time based on an original concept (i.e., not a licensed property or adaptation). The series has earned more than $3 billion worldwide so far.
At this point, there’s no word on whether Furious 7 director James Wan will return for the next installment of the franchise.
Along with Diesel, Furious 7 starred Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Jason Statham, Djimon Hounsou, Tony Jaa, Ronda Rousey, and Kurt Russell. Franchise veteran Paul Walker, who died during filming of the movie, also starred in the film. His role in the movie was retained through the use of body doubles and digital effects.
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