Djimon Hounsou Joins The Ever Growing Cast Of Badasses In FAST AND FURIOUS 7

Variety reports that Djimon Hounsou (The Island, Guardians of The Galaxy) has joined the action focused cast of James Wan's Fast And Furious 7. The rest of the new cast includes icon Kurt Russell (Death Proof, Escape From New York, The Thing), Jason Statham (Snatch, Expendables 1-3), Tony Jaa (Ong Bak) and MMA fighter Ronda Rousey.

Kurt Russell, Tony Jaa And Ronda Rousey Joining FAST AND FURIOUS 7

Variety has word that Universal and director James Wan (Conjuring, Saw) are looking to cast cult film legend Kurt Russell (Death Proof, Escape From New York, The Thing) in Fast And Furious 7. Apparently, the role was originally offered to Denzel Washington who passed on it. The seventh installment already has Jason Statham playing the baddie with previous cast members Paul Walker, Vin Diesel and unlikely Dwayne Johnson (might be busy with filming Hercules). Another addition includes Thai action star Tony Jaa, who is set to make his Hollywood debut in the flick ala Jackie Chan/Jet Li. There is also talk MMA Figher Ronda Rousey will have a role as well. It's shaping up that Universal might end up with a PG-13 Expendables film they can sell to kids.

SAW's James Wan Will Direct FAST AND FURIOUS 7

Deadline adds another name to the list of possible directors for Fast And Furious 7. They say that Universal is very interested in James Wan (Saw, Insidious) and are currently in finalizing talks. James even has franchise director Justin Lin backing him up. Vin Diesel and Paul Walker are expected to return with a rather large action star playing the villain. The film set for a Summer shoot might not have Dwayne Johnson or a few others returning.

Wan's horror smash-hit Saw is still one of the more unique films of the genre in the last fifteen years, making it a favorite of mine. Hopefully he can bring the Fast And Furious franchise full circle to awesome thriller from over the top action fest. It will be interesting to see who Universal gets to replace Dwayne Johnson, Luke Evans and possibly Gina Carano.

Theatrical Trailer For FAST AND FURIOUS 6, This Time It's Vehicular Warfare

Extended First Look For FAST AND THE FURIOUS 6

Paul Walker To Star In HITMAN Reboot

Deadline reports that Paul Walker (Fast And Furious franchise) has signed on to play the bald assassin in a reboot of Hitman based on the wildly popular video game series. They've brought back the original screenwriter Skip Woods (Die Hard 5) who is known for some really average at best action films such as X-Men Origins: Wolverine and The A-Team. Luckily, Predators co-writer Michael Finch has also contributed to the script, so it might have more a punch to it. They've hired Aleksander Bach as the film's director who will get his chance for his first feature debut working mostly on commercials. The film will begin production in June on location in Berlin and Singapore.

Oddly, enough I find it weird that Vin Diesel didn't get this role. Vin has more an international appeal and is bald in all his movies. Whatever keeps Walker from taking a role in Terminator 5 is fine with me. Fox might have learned from releasing both Die Hard 4 and Hitman as PG-13 cash-grabs moving forward with more of a R-rated feature. Infusing this reboot with tons of blood soaked squibs ala Django Unchained. Along with making it more about the assassinations rather than playing cat and mouse.

FAST AND FURIOUS 6 Super Bowl Spot Makes It Finally Look Like A Fun Ride

Luke Evans Offered Villain Role In 'FAST SIX'

Universal seems to be aiming high for Fast And The Furious 6. Twitch reports that Welsh actor Luke Evans has been offered the villain role which had previously Jason Statham turned down. The budding actor has all over the place lately with roles in Clash of The Titans, Robin Hood, Blitz (with Statham), Three Musketeers, Immortals, The Raven and the two Hobbit films. According to Dwayne Johnson the film will be shooting in London and Berlin. It will be starring Dwayne, Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and possibly Haywire's Gina Carano.

Gina Carano In Talks For 'FAST SIX'

HeatVision reports that MMA fighter turned action star Gina Carano (Haywire) is in talks to take a role alongside Dwayne Johnson in Fast Six. The sixth film in the Fast And The Furious franchise is said to be shooting in London and Berlin. Previously the last film has gone in a more serious/gritty direction so it will be interesting to see how adding more "real" action stars to the cast plays out. Jason Statham had been rumored for a role but has since shot down the project.

Major Updates On Die Hard 5!

Die Hard 5 is quickly coming together with the official title of A Good Day To Die Hard and the release date of February 14th 2013. John Moore (Behind Enemy Lines) will be directing with Bruce Willis coming back for one more ride as the iconic John McClane. The fifth film follows McClane as he travels to Russia to get his son out of jail, but accidentally uncovers a terrorist plot.

Variety reports a shortlist of actors who will test for the role of McClane's son. The list includes Ben Foster (Messenger, Rampart, Mechanic), Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), Milo Ventimiglia (Pathology, Gamer) and Paul Dano (There Will Be Blood, Cowboys & Aliens). Paul Walker is also a studio hopeful but will not be testing. There is talk that this actor will carry on the Die Hard franchise similar to how Jeremy Renner is replacing Tom Cruise for future Mission Impossible films. Knowing that this actor could keep the franchise going I'd prefer Ben Foster getting the job since he's able to handle drama and mindless action. Yet, I wouldn't count out Milo and Aaron who are both interesting enough to keep up with Willis.

Terminator 5 Rumor Roundup

WhatsPlaying is running the rumor that Terminator 5 will likely be a reboot of sorts. Instead of continuing the events of Terminator Salvation which had been originally planned. Taking influence from successful franchise reboots like Star Trek. From what I gather from this could mean either a complete reboot or a continuation from the events of T2. Director Justin Lin has previously stated that he doesn't consider any of the non-James Cameron films canon. So we should try to forget everything that happened in T3, The Sarah Connor Chronicles and Salvation.

When it comes to casting Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to appear but it's unknown the amount of screen time he'll get. Considering Arnold has put a pause on his film projects to focus on his personal problems. Vin Diesel has been mentioned for either the lead or a new Terminator. Now there is rumblings of Paul Walker being up for the role of Kyle Reese. While Diesel seems to be returning to his action roots, Walker on the other hand is just a terrible actor. Hopefully the names become a little more inspired than the ones currently linked.