Over the course of eight films, the FAST & FURIOUS series has grossed over $5 billion worldwide, making it one of the most successful movie franchises of all-time. The only thing surprising about that is that it's taken this long for the franchise to open itself up to spin-offs, and the first of what should be many is set to arrive next year. The upcoming HOBBS & SHAW will be centered around Dwayne Johnson's Luke Hobbs and Jason Statham's Deckard Shaw and is set to be directed by David Leitch, which seems to promise that we're in store for some stand-out action.
Jason Statham spoke with Entertainment Weekly recently while promoting THE MEG, and took the time to chat about the upcoming spin-off. "Yeah, I’m doing a big spin-off movie with Dwayne Johnson, the Rock, who I’m a particular big fan of and good friend of," Statham said. "So I’m going to do a big Hollywood splash with a mate of mine. They’re developing the script right now, so I can’t give you any spoilers on that one. Listen, Dwayne’s got a big appetite for action, and he’s got a great appetite for humor, and I’m sure it will be brimming with both of those things." The FAST & FURIOUS films have always juggled humor and action, so that's not a big surprise, but it will be interesting to see if the spin-off will give it a fresh…spin. Staham is also pumped to reunite with David Leitch, whose production company 87Eleven has been a part of his life for some time.
Dave Leitch is someone that I have known for many many years, who is taking the helm and directing this, and he’s just a true expert on this kind of stuff. You might have seen Atomic Blonde. He’s got Deadpool coming out. He’s a really talented guy, and to be working with someone that I’ve known for so long is a big bonus for me. I’ve trained with [Leitch and Stahelski] for years. 87Eleven’s been a part of my life for a long long time. I know all the stunt guys up there, and I’ve been in and out of that place for as long as I can remember. They’re great lads.
HOBBS & SHAW is set for a July 26, 2019 release, and THE MEG will arrive on August 10, 2018.