‘Fast & Furious 8’ Cast, News & Updates: Lucas Black to Replace Paul Walker’s Role as Vin Diesel’s Partner?

"Fast and Furious 8" is the first of the three part trilogy, which will ultimately mark the end of the franchise. As Paul Walker's character, Brian O'Conner is known as Dom's right hand, will Vin Diesel's character be able to find a new partner in the person of Sean Boswell?

"Furious 8" will see the return of several characters from the "Fast & Furious 3: Tokyo Drift," including Lucas Black. According to Cinema Blend, rumors are rife that Black will be reprising his role as Sean Boswell and may even portray a bigger role in the upcoming installment.

The publication noted that Dominic (Vin Diesel) went to Tokyo in "Furious 6" to find out more answers from Sean about Han's death. Back then, Black revealed that he will be returning for more scenes in "Fast & Furious" 7, 8 and 9.

This has led to speculations that Sean Boswell may take on a bigger role and become Dom's partner. As most fans and viewers can recall, it was Brian (Paul Walker) who has always been Dom's best friend and partner-in-crime.

With the unfortunate passing of Walker in 2013 following a tragic accident, his character was given the proper ending and tribute in "Furious 7." The upcoming sequel is also expected to feature Brian in some form or another without requiring CGI or Paul's brother, Cody.

Aside from Black's rumored appearance and role in "Fast & Furious 8," Eva Mendes is also expected to reprise her role in the upcoming sequel as U.S. Customs Agent Monica Fuentes. Dom and his crew will be taking part in another adrenaline-spiking race, but this time, they will be racing on the streets of New York.

Earlier this month, Diesel revealed the release dates for the upcoming three installments for the "Furious" movie franchise, Deadline reported.

"Fast 8" is slated to premiere on Apr. 14, 2017. The final two installments, "Furious 9" and "Furious 10" will be released in theatres on Apr. 19, 2019 and Apr. 2, 2021, respectively.