Fate of The Furious had a staggering global opening weekend, even if it’s domestic opening was $47 million less than Furious 7. It’s one of Universal Pictures’ biggest earners and this means more than just sequels are coming.
Deadline reports that the studio is now developing a spinoff that will star Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham, pairing the duo in a feature that will likely (and thankfully) exclude Vin Diesel and other main actors from the franchise.
This is in early stages, but they’ve met on the concept, which sources said will be scripted by Chris Morgan, the chief writer of the series that is hitting new heights with the eighth installment. The idea is for Johnson’s U.S. Diplomatic Security Agent Luke Hobbs to form an unlikely alliance with Statham’s Decker Shaw for a movie that conceivably could be made while they are figuring the next Fast film.
Pairing the two in their own spinoff was something I mentioned myself last week. So, I’m stoked to see what it becomes.
Dwayne/Jason rarely get massive budgets in starring vehicles, which is why FURIOUS is perfect for them. Hobbs/Shaw spinoff could be dope.
— Christopher M (@_ChristopherM) April 14, 2017
Even though, a Hobbs spinoff has been talked about for years.
It’s smart and tactical move on the part of the studio as the franchise’s weakest aspect is the fact a majority of it’s original cast aren’t really action stars. The infusion of people like Johnson, Statham, Tony Jaa, Kurt Russell, and Charlize Theron have upped it’s action pedigree. Seeing them pivot towards the actual action stars is a good way to keep things moving towards success.
Universal could have their own Expendables if they wanted, but actually profitable because of the Furious brand behind it.
Fingers crossed they hire Donnie Yen.
Like it or not, The Fast and The Furious is now a brand and this means multiple films are on the way. At least, they understand that Johnson and Statham are overshadowing Diesel deserving of a bigger spotlight.
SOURCE: DEADLINE