'Fast & Furious 8' Release Date & Plot: ‘The Rock’ Won’t Return in Sequel? Here’s What We Know So Far!

Less than two weeks since "Fast and Furious 7" debuted on the big screen and fans of the franchise are already talking about "Furious 8" and what's in store for the crew of Dominic Toretto. Rumors have been circulating about the next installment and word came out that Dwayne Johnson would not be returning in the next film.

The seventh installment of the high-octane series, "Fast and Furious," has been enjoying tremendous success since it came out. Prior to it being a hit, the cast and crew were met with the tragic news of Paul Walker's death. For a time, it was uncertain how the film would go on without the actor whose character was one of the leads.

With the movie recently going past the $500 million mark, an eighth film might be the most logical step for the producers. While it has not been confirmed that the next installment is a done deal, numerous reports offered insight on what's next for the crew of "Fast and Furious."

According to MTV, the upcoming film might be set in New York due to Vin Diesel's statements. The actor was a guest at the "Jimmy Kimmel Live" to promote the movie when he hinted that the next film might feature the Big Apple.

In addition, a new character introduced in "Fast and the Furious 7" has been confirmed for the eighth movie. Diesel revealed that Kurt Russell would return in the next film. Apparently, Russell's character was really intended to come out on the eighth installment.

"Kurt Russell came in for this movie. But we really hired him because of a story that follows this that takes place in New York," said Diesel to Kimmel.

Another rumor that cropped up is the possibility that Dwayne Johnson, also known as "The Rock," might not come back in the franchise. Johnson's character was first introduced in the "Fast Five" and he quickly won the hearts of the series' fans.

However, Johnson's contract with Universal Pictures is "on a film-by-film basis." With this set-up, the former wrestler has the option not to renew for the next movie.

A report in Cinema Blend hinted that the producers are veering away from including his character in the next stories. The website noted that his character had limited screen time in the seventh movie and was not included in most of the adrenaline rushing scenes.

Johnson and Universal have yet to comment on this rumor.

Meanwhile, a report in the Latin Post said that Eva Mendes' U.S. customs agent character might return in the eighth film.

Mendes has yet to confirm the reports as well.

No announcement has been made on the release date of "Fast and the Furious 8" but some reports claim that the studio would make an announcement at the CinemaCon happening in April 2015.