The new Fast and Furious spinoff film, Hobbs and Shaw, starring Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham, is in final negotiations for the film’s dastardly villain. Idris Elba will take the role of the main antagonist of the story, according to Variety. Reprising their roles from the Furious Franchise, Elba’s character will force Johnson and Statham’s established roles as special agent Luke Hobbs and criminal turned ally Deckard Shaw to work together to thwart a new threat.
Johnson’s enthusiastic fan base gave Universal Pictures motivation with his introduction into the fifth Furious film to create a new project for his character. Having had some issues with other cast mates in the past, Universal saw the onscreen chemistry between Johnson and Statham and found the match they were looking for.
Joining the team is actress Vanessa Kirby and Deadpool 2 director David Leitch. With a new screenplay composed by Furious originator Chris Morgan, this break from the main franchise is sure to be as successful as its predecessors.
Hobbs and Shaw is set to hit theaters July 26, 2019.