Michelle Rodriguez Dishes On Paul Walker’s Connection To ‘Fast & Furious 8’

Michelle Rodriguez is still mourning the loss of Fast & Furious co-star Paul Walker. It can be heard in her voice, seen in her eyes, and demonstrated in her words, but the star of such popular film franchises as Resident Evil and Fast & Furious is now beginning to talk of coping with Walker’s death and moving on with life. She says she finds a connection to Paul in continuing his legacy with Fast & Furious 8 and carrying on with the late actor’s most popular film franchise.

“We need a good reason to move on after Paul,” she explained. “And being that this is a global franchise now, it’s not just the American baby, it’s important that we consider moving on and take it seriously.”

For Ms. Rodriguez and her Furious co-stars, it isn’t just about making another film and creating a bigger blockbuster. There has to be more to it, for Walker’s memory, the actress reveals, according to E! News.

“But for us as a cast, I think we need a reason and it needs to have heart, so hopefully we’ll find it, you know? And somebody who’s passionate about directing it—I think that’s the most important thing is finding a good director.”

Michelle reveals that plans for a Furious 8 are already underway with a tentative schedule to begin filming. So, when do the cameras start rolling on F8 (or Fate) as Vin Diesel has started calling it?

“Next summer!” Rodriguez said with excitement. “Yeah, we’re trying to round up the troops.”

Michelle confesses to having an additional reason to feeling so psyched about the eighth installment of the Fast & Furious franchise, reports Design & Trend. The current pitch has Furious 8 taking place in New York City, which would bring Ms. Rodriguez back home for the first time since Girl Fight (2000).

“We were looking at New York, and I think the studio was open to that so keep fingers crossed! It’ll be my first movie at home since Girl Fight!”

Just listening to Michelle list off the reasons for shooting Furious 8 in N.Y.C. betrays her passion for going back home and it seems fitting that she should revisit the past, after losing Paul Walker so tragically.

“New York’s just like a melting pot. There is so much to discover there. Motor cycle cruise, everything from the Hell’s Angels home, you’ve got a lot that you can play with in New York.”

Although still in pre-production, Fast & Furious 8, starring Michelle Rodriguez and Vin Diesel, is set for an April 14, 2017 theatrical release.

[Featured image: Michelle Rodriguez courtesy of Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images]