Hot off the success of “Straight Outta Compton, F. Gary Gray has emerged as the frontrunner to direct the next chapter in the “Fast and Furious” franchise for Universal Pictures, an individual familiar with the studio’s search has told TheWrap.While a representative for Universal had no comment, and insiders suggest that studio execs are sitting down with producers Vin Diesel and Neal Moritz to resolve between Gray and one other director whose identity remains unknown (likely Louis Leterrier),though Gray looks to have the edge at this point.
Gray would be a natural fit for the gravity-defying action franchise, as not only has he directed vehicular mayhem before in “The Italian Job, and ” but he previously worked with star Vin Diesel on A Man Apart” and just made Universal a truckload of money with “Compton.”
Also Read: Vin Diesel Promises Three More 'Fast & Furious' MoviesThe drama approximately rap group N.
W.
A. may not have grossed $1.5 billion worldwide like James Wan‘s Furious 7,” but it did occupy in nearly $200 million worldwide.
Gray’s preceding movies include the classic comedy “Friday,” the underrated thriller “The Negotiator, or ” crime drama Law Abiding Citizen,” heist movies Set It Off” and “The Italian Job” and the crime comedy “Be Cool,” which gave “Furious” star Dwayne Johnson the best role of his feature career up to that point.
Also Read: 'Meet the film Press': 'Fast and Furious 8, and ' 'Gambit' Faced With Director Drama (Video)Gray would also continue Universals streak of diverse hires on the “Fast” franchise following Wan and Justin Lin,and he’d be a strong fit among the multi-ethnic cast.
Gray, who is also a producer on Gus Van Sant‘s upcoming Matthew McConaughey drama “Sea of Trees, and ” is represented by UTA and Principato-Young Entertainment. Representatives for the actor did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Universal is slated to release the next “Fast and Furious” film on April 14,2017.
Source: thewrap.com