'Fast And Furious 8' Cast News Update: Helen Mirren, Eva Mendes, And Paul Walker's Brother Cody Joining?

The "Fast and Furious" franchise, which made over $1 billion with the 2015 blockbuster "Furious 7," still has three movies and many years to go before it ends. But before that, fans will be treated to "Furious 8," the much-anticipated crime thriller set for a 2017 release.

Neither its cast members nor its various production companies have revealed any specific details about the film, leaving fans to speculate on what it will be about and how it will work around the absence of "The Fast and the Furious" star Paul Walker, who passed away in 2013.

One of the most persistent rumors regarding "Furious 8" is that its cast will include Cody Walker, Paul's younger brother, who served as his body double on "Furious 7" following the latter's untimely death in a single-vehicle collision. According to Movie Pilot (via Australia Network News), Cody Walker might take on the role of Brian O'Conner's little brother, a man his family thought had perished in wartime. Paul Walker played the role of Brian O'Conner in the first seven installments of "The Fast and the Furious."

Another rumor that has excited fans is that Dame Helen Mirren, the 70-year-old Academy Award winner who has starred in action films "Red" and "Red 2," will also be joining the cast of "Furious 8." In an interview with MTV, Vin Diesel (who plays Dominic Toretto), joked about his "Witch Hunter" co-stars being in the franchise, saying, "I think everyone should do the franchise." He added: "They've gotta get in line behind Helen Mirren. She is on the list. Be careful what you wish for, Helen."

Meanwhile, there has also been speculation that U.S. Customs agent Monica Fuentes (played by "Hitch" actress Eva Mendes), who appeared in the second and fifth movies in the franchise, may reunite with the cast for "Furious 8." As Cinema Blend pointed out, as events in "Furious 7" showed Torreto and the rest of the gang running in criminal circles involving the federal government, it won't be long before they either have to assist Fuentes or try to run from her.

"Furious 8" will hit theaters on April 14, 2017.