Universal developing 'Fast & Furious' spinoff based around Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham characters

Image from the Independent

By Darian Scalamoni

            With the mega Fast & Furious franchise continuing to conquer box office records, it seems that Universal is looking toward extending the olive branch to beloved characters getting a spinoff. According to Deadline, the studio is planning a film based around Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham’s characters for a possible spinoff. The producers and studio have met already on the concept and Chris Morgan, who has written all the franchise’s movies other than the first two has begun story ideas.

            The story arc that they’re contemplating would showcase Johnson’s character, Luke Hobbs forming an unlikely partnership with Statham’s Deckard Shaw. Both characters entered the franchise in its second half for Fast Five and Fast & Furious 6 respectively as villains before earning the trust of the crew and joining the “family”. It seems like a perfect money making idea as many love these characters the most and were impressed with their chemistry and action sequences on screen. Also, it’s never a bad idea to build off of a franchise that is making bucket loads of money for the long haul and shows little signs of slowing down.

            Johnson is one of the busiest actors in Hollywood so it might be hard to get him for yet another franchise with upcoming roles in Baywatch and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle followed by action films Rampage and Skyscraper as well as wrestling drama, Fighting with My Family all in 2018. Statham will star next in shark based thriller, Meg before returning to another action franchise, The Expendables 4.

            What do you guys think about a potential spinoff with Johnson and Statham? Is this the right direction for the franchise if they indeed extend the universe? Sound off in the comments below and let us know!