UPDATE: Looks like it’s more or less official that Wan is taking the job.
Just because Justin Lin bowed out of the Fast and Furious franchise after he finished directing the sixth installment, which opens next month, that’s not going to keep Universal from making 7 Fast 7 Furious. As Vin Diesel put it, “the fans’ desire for the continuation is powerful.” And anyway, it doesn’t take Orson Hitchcock to shoot cars going fast and buff guys yelling. Now, the word is, Universal wants to bring on James Wan, best known for directing the first Saw, as Lin’s replacement. He seems like a perfect choice on account of he’s also an Asian guy who directs dumb movies.
EXCLUSIVE: Universal Pictures has begun negotiations with James Wan to direct the seventh installment of the studio’s mega-buck franchise The Fast And The Furious. I expect a deal to be made probably before the week is out.
Universal Pictures has had plenty of time to consider who’ll take over the race car franchise, and recently they have been working from a very short list. Among the directors they’ve spoken to are Baltazar Kormakur, who helmed Contraband, The Deep and the upcoming 2 Guns with Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg (I don’t think Kormakur is available); Kick-Ass 2 helmer Jeff Wadlow; and The Karate Kid helmer Harold Zwart, whose next is The Mortal Instruments: City Of Bones. Wan, who helmed the first installment of Saw, more recently directed the horror smash hit Insidious, and has The Conjuring upcoming.
Wan has gotten the endorsement of Lin. [Deadline]
The next step for Wan is going through the lengthy hazing process that all Fast/Furious directors must face. It starts with a trip to Tyrese’s house, where you have to nod thoughtfully as he explains his many theories on women, and listen patiently as he plays you some tracks off his new album, eyes closed, head bopping earnestly.
Possible Tagline: “All roads lead to thi7.”