Two months ago, word broke that the Fast and Furious producers were circling Charlize Theron for a major part in Fast 8. Today, it’s official: Theron has signed on for Fast 8 in what will likely be a villainous role.

The report originated at Variety, which added that Theron was approached for Fast 8 even before the script was finished. One of the reasons that Theron reportedly delayed signing on for the project was that she wanted to see the script first. Thankfully, Theron was happy with Chris Morgan’s latest Fast 8 script, and there was fortuitous timing because her other potential franchise project, The Grey Man, has hit a delay at Sony.

Theron won our hearts as Imperator Furiosa last summer in Mad Max: Fury Road, but she’s also an Oscar winner for her performance in Monster. Theron’s numerous past credits include Æon Flux, Hancock, The Cider House Rules, and Prometheus.

Yesterday, Game of Thrones actor Kristofer Hivju also signed on to Fast 8 as one of the other villains, but it’s not clear what his relationship will be with Theron’s character. Our guess is that Hivju would make a great henchman to Theron’s badass mastermind!

F. Gary Gray will direct Fast 8, with several cast members slated to return including Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Tyrese Gibson, and Michelle Rodriguez. Fast 8 is expected to begin filming this summer before heading to theaters on April 14, 2017.

Are you excited about Theorn’s new role in Fast 8? Gear up and share your thoughts in the comment section below!

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HT: Variety
Image Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures