Six is not enough for this fast-paced, action-packed franchise so a seventh installment is coming. However, Fast and Furious 7 is set to be a film of major changes – from the cast to the behind-the-scenes team.

From Justin Lin to James Wan

Director Justin Lin is saying his goodbye to the franchise after making Fast and Furious 6. Lin had directed four installments from the Universal Studios’ franchise, starting from The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift up to the recently shown sixth movie. Malaysian-Chinese director James Wan will be taking the reins from Lin for the latest Fast and Furious spin-off.

Though an exceptional director, Wan’s films, Saw, Insidious and The Conjuring are of the horror genre and movie people are a little jittery over his take on a film that deals mostly with fast cars, death-defying stunts and action-packed scenes. The 36-year-old director, however, has made it clear that he is not really working from scratch. The fact is, Fast and Furious 7 designs have been made even before the sixth installment was shown.

“In a sense, it is like playing another person’s saved game. I know the characters, I know the stories, but now it’s up to me to pick it up from where it was left off and take it in a different direction – but a direction that has kind of been laid out, if that makes sense,” he stated in an interview. Besides, he has the previous director’s blessing, so it must mean Lin believes in his capabilities.

Jason Statham as the New Villain?

Jason Statham has confirmed he is indeed joining the cast of Fast and Furious’ seventh installment but had been dodging questions about the identity of his character. However, with Fast and Furious 6 showing a fleeting cliffhanger with him on it, many speculations have been running around about him being the sequel’s new villain.

Besides, when director James Wan was asked if Jason Statham is indeed going to play the antagonist in the movie, he simply answered YES. So, it is safe to say the actor will be assumedly playing the role of deceased Owen Shaw’s brother, the sixth’s villain.

Home Sweet Home

The Fast and Furious “drama” started in Los Angeles. However, recent installments have taken to scenes in Tokyo, Miami, Brazil, Europe and Mexico. The franchise has also evolved from street-car-racing drama to action-thriller-drama which divided its fan base – some have decried recent spin-offs of the original movie are a far-cry from its roots.

Nevertheless, one of the film’s leads, Vin Diesel, revealed that Fast and Furious is coming back to its original home after all for its seventh sequel, in Los Angeles. Presumably, fans can expect more street grits from this upcoming film as well.

Big Stars Coming Through

In addition to Jason Statham joining the crew, Thailand actor Tony Jaa of Ong Bak ­fame will also be in the cast, as well as UFC champion Ronda Rousey. Veteran actor Kurt Russell joining in is under negotiations as well; his supporting role was supposed to be for actor Denzel Washington. Fast and Furious 7 is set to be released in the summer of 2014.