‘Fast and Furious 8’ eyeing to shoot in Cuba

A spokeswoman for Universal told Variety, “Universal Pictures is now in the process of seeking approval from the United States and Cuban governments to explore shooting a portion of the next installment of the “Fast & Furious” series in Cuba”.

In March, Conan O’Brien went to Havana, the first time a late-night show had appeared in Cuba since 1962, when the USA embargo began.

Papa, based on a true story, follows journalist Ed Myers (Giovanni Ribisi) on his adventure to Cuba during the time period preceding the 1959 revolution. A studio blockbuster like a Fast & Furious is a significantly different step.

If it all works out, this would make Furious 8 the first studio film to shoot on the island since the USA placed an embargo on the nation in the ’60s.

But Furious 8 isn’t some indie movie about a writer you skipped over in high school English class. It’s a very big multi-billion dollar franchise with hundreds of crew members that will be a new chapter in the cinematic history of the formerly cut-off island country.

He also mentioned, “The Cuban government is supportive and the US government is supportive”.

The location would be one of several destinations following the success of the previous film that used handful of locales including Dubai and Los Angeles. The latest tidbit is that it will be shooting on Cuba. Universal is reportedly looking to shoot in NY and Atlanta, Georgia as well. The country also has a native entertainment industry and does boast soundstages. According to Hollywood Reporter, the paperwork from the treasury department of Cuba has not been approved for the film to shoot in spring at the moment.

“In general people like Americans and are very welcoming”, said Richard Feinberg, senior fellow at the brookings instutition and the author of “Open for Business: Building Cuba’s Economy”.

“Fast & Furious 8″ will be directed by “Straight Outta Compton” helmer F. Gary Gray and will be released on April 17, 2017.