Normally, the average movie goer doesn't care much for casting news that doesn't involve a film's main leading actors. That's normal; it's not like all NFL fans can tell you every single player on the 53-man roster of their favorite teams. But, sticking with the sports analogy, sometimes these lesser known casting additions can be considered young prospects poised to make the leap sometime in the near future.
Perhaps that thinking can be applied to Scott Eastwood's recent addition to F. Gary Gray's "Fast and Furious 8."
Eastwood, the son of Clint (you may have heard of him), joins newcomer Charlize Theron, who is penciled in as the film's new villain. The Universal picture will also see the return of Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez and Tyrese Gibson.
The up-and-coming Eastwood has managed to involve himself in a number of high-profile projects in recent years. He nabbed a starring role in the Nicholas Sparks adaptation "The Longest Ride" as well as a supporting role in the Brad Pitt-led "Fury" in 2015. This summer he can be seen in Warner Bros.' highly anticipated "Suicide Squad," before he tackles some meaty subject matter in Oliver Stone's "Snowden" with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Ben Affleck's "Live By Night."
The point is, Eastwood may not be a full-blown movie star household name outside of his decorated father just yet. But he's a guy who routinely books roles in very visible projects that have big names attached to it. Credit has to be given to his agency, UTA, for their strategic approach to building this guy's career. Now, he's joining a franchise that just put up $1.5 billion-plus at the worldwide box office with its latest entry.
Who knows, maybe Gray (coming off the success of "Straight Outta Compton") takes a liking to the the 30-year-old actor and casts him as his primary lead in his next project. That's how these things work in Hollywood sometimes (see: Ryan Coogler & Michael B. Jordan). Either way, Eastwood appears poised to pop in the industry any day now and you'll be able to say you knew of him way back when.
"Fast and Furious 8" is set for release April 14, 2017.
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
