Universal Pictures is currently seeking approval from both the U.S. and Cuban governments to shoot a scene in the previously embargoed country.
- January 7, 2016
AceShowbiz -
"Fast and Furious 8" is eyeing to shoot a scene in a place rarely explored in Hollywood films. The Hollywood Reporter brings word that Universal Pictures is currently seeking approval from both the U.S. and Cuban governments to film in Cuba.
Multiple sources say that F. Gary Gray, the director of the eighth installment of the "Fast and Furious" movie series, recently returned from a scouting trip which included the previously embargoed nation. In addition, the sources explain that the production has moved forward with the paperwork to shoot there.
"Universal Pictures is currently in the process seeking approval from the United States and Cuban governments to explore shooting a portion of the next installment of the 'Fast & Furious' series in Cuba," read a statement from the studio. If it is approved, the street-racing movie will be the first Hollywood film to shoot on the island since the embargo in the 1960s.
Weighing in on the plan to shoot a scene in the Carribean country, Richard Feinberg, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, says to Variety, "In general, people like Americans and are very welcoming. From the Cuban point of view, these kinds of films would bring in money and attract positive publicity."
Vin Diesel will return as the lead actor in the movie. He will be joined by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Ludacris and Tyrese Gibson, with Jason Statham and Kurt Russell expected to return. "Fast and Furious 8" will be released in North America on April 14, 2017.
