LAS VEGAS -- Not that there was any doubt, but just in case: Universal Pictures is making an eighth Fast and Furious film, which will hit theaters in the franchise's traditional springtime slot in 2017.
Vin Diesel himself took the stage to break the news at CinemaCon, thanking the more than 4,000 theater owners gathered at Ceasars Palace for their support and telling them exactly when they can expect the movie: "Furious 8 will be yours to share with the world on April 14, 2017." (No telling whether that's the official title, which will be a challenge to come up with.)
Diesel recalled being at CinemaCon two years ago "with my brother Pablo" (his nickname for Paul Walker), when he told the crowd here about Furious 7.
"There is something you all did," he told exhibitors. "For me, personally, you all gave me so much confidence. There was so much love. You made me feel like we could actually make history with Furious Seven. You’ve been so loyal all along. ... Because there’s a pride that you have that we feel, the people that make the movie, the studio that I call my home, my family. You make us fell like we ant to give you the best move in the world to share with you."