Fast & Furious Spinoff Series Will Debut July 2019

Last week, we reported that the ninth installment in the Fast & Furious franchise had been delayed almost a full year. Now, it has been revealed that the studio plans to create a spinoff series starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Jason Statham.

We've heard rumors of a Fast & Furious spinoff before, but now it's official. Universal Studios toldThe Hollywood Reporterthat the yet-unnamed movie is scheduled to open July 26, 2019 and will feature Johnson's character Luke Hobbs alongside Statham's Deckard Shaw. Universal says Chris Morgan will write the script, but deals with the actors, however, are reportedly still not finalized.

"Fast & Furiousis one of Universal's most beloved properties, and we handle every decision we make surrounding this franchise with great care," Donna Langley, head of Universal, toldThe Hollywood Reporter. "The global brand of Fast & Furious is strong and full of iconic characters, and we look forward to continuing to build on the film that started it all, as well as expanding into different narratives beginning with our first spinoff."

Fast 9may have also been delayed to fit it into director Justin Lin's schedule. Whether that's true or not, it looks like Lin is still on track to return to his role as the franchise's director. No director has been announced for the spinoff, though.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter