AceShowbiz -

Scott Eastwood has officially been added to the cast ensemble of the upcoming "Fast and Furious 8". The "Fury" actor is among the new additions that include Charlize Theron who is expected to play a villain. He broke the casting news himself on his Instagram.

"It's hard to put into words how excited I am for the next Fast & Furious," he wrote. "To me, the series is so much more than just a franchise. It's a legacy. These great actors who have been in it together for so long have become a family. I absolutely can't wait to join it."

Without giving away too much, he teased, "I get to play a new character who operates under Kurt Russell in the movie, which is incredible, because Kurt was a total childhood hero of mine growing up. Very much looking forward to learning a thing or two from such an original and cool guy."

Eastwood also paid tribute to Paul Walker, calling the late actor his "close friend." He remembered, "We surfed together, traveled together, and he was a huge role model and influencing figure in my life when I was younger. He still is. He was an older brother to me. For me to be able to add to the F&F story, Paul's story, and the FAST family is like a dream come true."

He concluded, "[Director] Gary Gray and [producer] Neal Moritz - I can't wait to get started and dive in. Vin [Diesel] - thank you for the support and the insight. Paul - I am going to make you proud. #F8."