‘Furious 8’ Gets Director F. Gary Gray: ‘Straight Outta Compton’ Name Signs on for Next Film?

F. Gary Gray is in talks to direct Furious 8, as the Straight Outta Compton director has reportedly signed on for the next film in the Fast & Furious franchise. The famed Hollywood director might be joining the cast and crew of the follow-up film to Furious 7, as he was pictured with Vin Diesel recently, and talks have already started of him being the official director.

The two were seen sitting in chairs next to one another, where they were sitting to the sides of a board containing photos of Diesel’s role in the franchise’s movies over the years. Reports say that Universal was unable to convince Furious 7‘s James Wan to come back to direct the next film, leaving an open space for Gray, who has just come off the huge success of Straight Outta Compton.

With the N.W.A. biopic being up for Academy Award consideration this upcoming award season, Gray’s directorial skills have been in popular demand since the box office success.

The Fast & Furious 8 director race is nearing the finish line https://t.co/UYOHCaHWJE pic.twitter.com/33isMI6ZQt

— Digital Spy Film (@digitalspyfilm) October 6, 2015

The Hollywood Reporter notes that Gray has signed on for the Furious 8 film already, stating, “After an intense search, Universal has settled on F. Gary Gray, the helmer behind its summer hit Straight Outta Compton, to direct Fast and Furious 8, and sources say Gray has told the studio he’s ready to initiate negotiations for a deal.”

Although Diesel has said previously that he wants to take his shot at directing the next Fast and Furious film, it looks like the two have come to an agreement with Gray being on board. Diesel will have the opportunity to direct more Fast and Furious films in the future, as he revealed that there are three more in the works before the conclusion of the lengthy movie series that fans just can’t seem to get enough of.