'Furious 8' Release Date News: Vin Diesel Confirms 8th Movie, First Without Paul Walker

There have been indications before that "Furious 7" was not going to be the final chapter in the "Fast and the Furious" franchise, but actually a beginning of a new trilogy.

Vin Diesel himself confirmed that the next movie will be set in New York. During Universal's CinemaCon presentation in Las Vegas last Thursday, Diesel announced that the eighth movie will be released on April 14, 2017.

Just before Diesel made the announcement, footage screened the emotional final moments of "Furious 7" when the two main characters go on one final car race before going their separate ways.

"You've been so loyal all along," Diesel told exhibitors. "You helped us create history here."

"Furious 8" will be a follow-up to this month's "Furious 7," directed by James Wan. "Furious 7" has grossed $1.15 billion worldwide since its opening last April 3, making it the seventh highest-grossing film of all time. Industry speculators predict that it could end up with more than $1.4 billion overall.

"I swear to you and to my brother upstairs [Walker], we are going to make the best movie you've ever seen," Diesel said during Universal's presentation.

"Furious 8" will be the first movie that would be fully shot and released after the death of franchise star Paul Walker.

No director has been announced yet, but speculations are rife. Justin Lin lifted the franchise to critical and commercial success with "Tokyo Drift" up to "Fast 6," then he handed the control over to James Wan of "Saw" fame, who directed "Furious 7." Lin is currently busy with "Star Trek 3" while Wan is in the running for "Aquaman."

We will just have to wait for the formal announcement as to who will helm "Furious 8." As to whether "Furious 8" will stack up with "Furious 7" in terms of commercial success is another question.