DHAKA: "Fast and Furious" star Vin Diesel confirmed at Universal's CinemaCon panel, an annual event for theater owners, that the next installment to the franchise is happening.

The currently untitled eighth chapter will be released April 14, 2017.

The seventh film in the franchise, "Furious 7," has now grossed over $1.1 billion worldwide.

It became the fastest film to hit $1 billion, crossing the mark in just 17 days.

Variety reports Diesel told theater owners "It means a lot to me to get your blessing."

Diesel previously hinted at another installment to the popular franchise during a recent appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" While promoting "Furious 7," he explained he always thinks of these films as trilogies.

The actor said that the addition of Kurt Russell in the seventh movie was to introduce him for a story arc in a future film which would take place in New York.

"So, Kurt Russell came in for this movie ["Furious 7"], but he was really … we really hired him because of a story that follows this that takes place in New York," said Diesel.

BDST: 1025 HRS, APR 24, 2015
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