Universal's "Fast and the Furious" franchise has gone from niche action movie to international box office blockbuster. One reason the studio has been able to do this is by beefing up the supporting cast with big names. Dwayne Johnson, Ludacris, Jason Statham, Ronda Rousey, Luke Evans, Kurt Russell. People recognize these names and flock to the theaters as a result.
On top of all the action heroes, Dame Helen Mirren has made it known that she wants to appear in either "Fast and Furious 8" or another installment down the road. The Oscar-winning actress took a turn in the action genre with the "Red" movies and apparently has an itch for it now.
"My great ambition is to be in a Fast and Furious movie," Mirren said in an interview with Yahoo! Movies. "I so want to be a mad driver in a Fast and Furious movie. My claim to fame is I always do my own driving - I was on Top Gear, and I did [my lap] in a very good time. I keep putting it out there, and they never ask me. I'll be in Fast and Furious 8. I have to say Vin Diesel is brilliant. I love Vin Diesel. He's a great guy, smart - I love him. It's partly because of him I'd like to be in one, but also the driving. I'd also love to do another Red-type movie, because those are such fun to do."
Word on the Hollywood street is that Kurt Russell, who joined the franchise for this week's "Furious 7," will be the Big Bad in "Fast and Furious 8" or apart of the multi-part finale that is being planned. With the broad strokes presumably in place, it's unknown if there is any room for Mirren at this point.
But if Universal knows what's good for them, they'll figure out a way to get Mirren in there. I mean, it's not every day that an Academy Award winner and classically trained actress wants to join an adrenaline soaked action movie. Get it done, Universal.
