The next chapter of the FAST & FURIOUS has secured its villain, and she can be a bit Furiosa herself.
Charlize Theron has officially signed on to join FAST 8, serving as the film's villain, something F. Gary Gray and Chris Morgan have been hoping to make a reality for a number of months. Developing the new baddie for an actress this time around, crosshairs have been set on Theron for awhile, hoping that the nature of the role (and the money offered) would be enough to lure her into the franchise that has become like a fine wine – better with age.
Theron didn't want to commit yet, even with an early offer on the table, until she received a finished script. However, once everything seemed to look good to her, it was only a matter of making FAST 8 work within her busy schedule. Those arrangements have now been made and she is a go.
This will be the first time a woman has had the opportunity to square off against Dom and his family/crew, so it'll be interesting to see how that dynamic plays out, particularly in the action sequences. I previously wouldn't have anticipated seeing Theron throw down against Vin Diesel, but after watching her dish out a handy ass-beating to Tom Hardy in MAD MAX: FURY ROAD, anything is possible.
Also joining the FAST 8 cast is Kristofer Hivju, who plays Tormund Giantsbane (the Wilding with the phenomenal beard beyond the Wall), on HBO's GAME OF THRONES. Hivju is expected to play one of Theron's main henchman, which fits him well.
FAST 8 is scheduled for release on April 14, 2017.