Vin Diesel, lead actor of the "Fast and Furious" franchise, hints on a film plot gearing toward featuring Chinese flare. (Photo : Reuters)
The phenomenal action film franchise “Fast and Furious” gives hint on new movie elements that may involve Chinese cultural flare, as revealed by its lead actor and producer, Vin Diesel.
"If there is another Fast and Furious, it will be filmed in China," Diesel stated.
The U.S. action star was in Beijing last week to promote the film's seventh edition, which will be released in China on April 12.
The movie's seventh installment is reported to have received an investment from China Film Group Corp. However, the amount of the investment is yet to be disclosed.
"Fast and Furious" is one of the most successful film franchises, pulling off around $2.3 billion since its release in 2001.
The latest franchise will set a record in China for being the first film to be released in all three major cinema formats, which include Imax, 3-D and China Giant Screen.
In a China Daily interview, the lead actor further remarked that "the idea of an actor from China being in part of the Fast saga feels inevitable."
"As the producer, I am proud the saga is multicultural. The first thing I did after I became producer of the franchise (from 'Fast and Furious 4') was to break down racial lines, take all of them and create a family," Diesel recounted.
The "Fast and Furious" star also shared that "when [he] was a kid, [he] used to play Dungeons and Dragons."
"In many ways, that affects the way that I produce movies. It's just a matter of time for the audience going down the hall toward China," Diesel enthused in mystery.
During the interview, the action star also gave subtle hints revealing that the franchise's story is leading to China.
For the film's 3rd until 6th installment, Taiwan-born America Justin Lin handled the directorial jobs, while Chinese director James Wan helmed the latest edition. James is most notable for his 2004 blockbuster hit "Saw."
Diesel remarked that for the next film, he would be working with critically acclaimed director Ang Lee.
"Fast and Furious 7" is the most sentimental edition for the crew as one of its main cast, Paul Walker, met a car accident in the middle of the filming in Nov. 2013. The team used computer-generated imagery to complete the late actor's appearance.
However, as one bids goodbye, a new character was introduced in the latest franchise. Action star Jason Statham portrays the role of a "baddie" in the film.
Asked about his character, Statham said: "I don't really see myself as a villain. (In the movie) I just take care of my family. I'm not interested in money."
"I just love the fact that the fans love the franchise so much," Statham added. The action star also hinted that he is "trying to do something with (director Corey Yuen) very soon in China."
