'Fast and Furious 8' news: Michelle Rodriguez says film will be 'true' to Paul Walker's wishes, production rumored to eye three famous ladies for lead role
As the team works to make the "Fast and Furious" part 8 a film that fans will enjoy, even minus the presence of Paul Walker, the actor's co-star Michelle Rodriguez says the eighth installment will remain "true" to the desires of the deceased actor.
Rodriguez told People during the UNITAS Gala Against Sex Trafficking in New York City on Tuesday that the upcoming film will be a tribute to his friend.
The 37-year-old actress mentioned that Walker always wanted to "bring it back down to the core, which is the racing," adding that he was never for the special effects and blue screens imposed on the previous installments.
Walker always had the desire to destroy the "exaggerated explosions and crazy plot lines," thus, the team decided that the next movie in the franchise should be a reflection of the actor's "true" wishes.
The star also cited Vin Diesel's statements when he said the focus of the upcoming movie will be to "keep it true to that car audience," adding that the production is hoping that they could step up to the challenge of turning the film into what Walker has been dreaming of.
Meanwhile, Breathe Cast reports that the "Fast" team is looking toward finding an actor or actress who will somehow cover up for Walker's loss, and according to some rumors, the production is eyeing Angelina Jolie for a lead role. Some fans speculate that Jolie's character, if given a lead role, would fill in Walker's place.
The rumor first came out after Rodriguez said that she was dreaming of being in a movie with Jolie, but not as an adversary, but in the same team as the "Maleficent" star.
Another name rumored to be considered for a lead role is Ruby Rose of "Orange is the New Black." Then there's Dame Helen Mirren, who was a hardcore female lead alongside Bruce Willis in "RED." Mirren has previously stated that she has had a desire to be part of the Fast and Furious team.
"Fast and Furious 8" is scheduled to release some time in April 2017.