'The Fast and the Furious 8' release date and news: Vin Diesel says first trailer for the eight installment to be released on Dec. 11; plus, more spoilers

Christopher John Alerta Monday, November 28, 2016

Inset is a promotional image of "The Fast and the Furious 8." | Facebook/Vin Diesel

One of the most enduring franchises in the history of Hollywood cinema is the "The Fast and the Furious" franchise. Now in its forthcoming installment, the saga continues and has shown no signs of stopping in terms of fresher storylines and its more-than-usual bankability â€” all of these are despite of some unfortunate incidents including the untimely demise of Paul Walker, one of the more stalwart stars since the first entry was incepted.

And as "The Fast and the Furious 8," also referred to as "Fast 8," is now set to release its official trailer on Dec. 11, 2016, here is a rundown on what to expect on the series' eighth offering, which is due to hit theaters on April 14, 2017.

First off, F. Gary Gray who has famously spearheaded films such as the remake of "The Italian Job," "Straight Outta Compton" and "The Negotiator" is set to helm "Fast 8." Actor Vin Diesel was previously rumored to direct the film but the speculation was laid to rest when Gray was confirmed accordingly.

As per the film's inspiration, Gray has shared that the forthcoming entry will be heavily inspired by the style of JJ Abram's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." A full "Star Wars" hints are reportedly all set to visit the themes and aspiration on the film.

Meanwhile, "Fast 8" is set to showcase places in New York City, Cuba and Iceland once it gets released. Its predecessors have previously run on tracks in places like Tokyo and Brazil along with locations in Los Angeles and Abu Dhabi.

"Fast 8" is also all set to include most of its original cast members like Diesel as Dominic Toretto, Jason Statham as Deckard Shaw, Dwayne Johnson as Hobbs, Michelle Rodriguez as Letty "Ortiz" Toretto, Ludacris as Tej Parke, Tyrese Gibson as Roman Pearce and Kurt Russel as Mr. Nobody. Furthermore, Charlize Theron, Scott Eastwood and Helen Mirren have also been confirmed to have joined the roster. Theron is set to play Cipher, the film's newest villain.