Idris Elba to Play Main Villain in ‘Fast and Furious’ Spinoff

Who could get special agent Luke Hobbs and master criminal Deckard Shaw to team up again? How about Idris Elba?

Variety has an exclusive that actor Idris Elba is in final negotiations to take on the role of the main villain in the Fast and Furious spinoff film titled Hobbs and Shaw. Dwayne Johnson (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle) and Jason Statham (The Meg) are returning to play the title roles in the film with Vanessa Kirby (The Crown) coming on board as the female lead.

Chris Morgan (Fast and Furious, Fast Five, Fast and the Furious Tokyo Drift) is writing the screenplay to be helmed by Atomic Blonde and Deadpool 2 director David Leitch. According to the story, the threat of Elba’s character is what brings the agent and criminal on the same side in order to face him together.

Original Film’s Neal H. Moritz will produce alongside Johnson and his Seven Bucks Productions partners, Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia, Statham, and Chris Morgan for his eponymous production company. Kelly McCormick, Steve Chasman, Amanda Lewis, Ainsley Davies, and Ethan Smith will executive produce.

Hobbs and Shaw is expected in theaters July 26, 2019.

What do you think of Idris Elba joining the Fast and Furious franchise? Let me know in the comments below.