GOT THE GREENLIGHT.  Hollywood sources are saying “Straight Outta Compton” director, F. Gary Gray, is a near lock-in to helm "Fast and Furious 8,” the latest installment in the bankable action thriller franchise.

Via social media, Vin Diesel, the star and producer of “Furious” posted a photo of himself with Gray hinting that the director was set to take the reins of Universal’s nearly unstoppable global motion-picture series.  If truly given greenlight, Gray, will take over from James Wan, who directed “Furious 7.” Other "F&F" franchise directors are Justin Lin, who helmed installments three through six.  The first film 2001’s “The Fast and the Furious,” was directed by Rob Cohen, while John Singleton directed its first sequel, “2 Fast, 2 Furious.”

The Hollywood rumor mill has also churned out, "FF8" will also feature Paul Walker's brother Cody as Jack O'Conner.  Production is set to begin in spring of 2016 with pre-production to start next in November.  The release date is set for April 2017.

F Gary Gray Cannes Deal

From the Cannes Film Festival news is director F. Gary Gray is now attached to direct The Last Days of American Crime, a heist movie in which budding Hollywoodteur Sam Worthington is set to star, for IM Global and Radical Pictures. Gray most recently directed Law Abiding Citizen.

IM Global is offering The Last Days of American Crime at the Cannes Film Market. Last Days is based on the Radical graphic novel written by Rick Remender and illustrated by Greg Tocchini. Karl Gadejsak is penning the screenplay set in the near-future where the government plans to implement a form of legal mind control, making it impossible for its citizens to commit unlawful acts. Worthington, of Avatar and Terminator 3: Salvation fame, will play a career criminal, who must put together the last heist in American history on the last night that crime is possible. The actor’s Full Clip Productions label is also producing alongside Automatik Entertainment.

Stuart Ford (IM Global founder and CEO) and Radical founders Barry Levine and Jesse Berger made the announcement today. Full Clip’s Michael Schwarz will produce with Levine and Berger. “This is such a powerful, iconic piece of material. We really believe this movie can bring something fresh to the noir universe and become an explosive action feature film. We're delighted to be working alongside the super talented Radical team, Gary and Sam,” Ford said. Levine chimed in, “The Last Days of American Crime graphic novel is one of the most coveted titles in the Radical catalog and our most successful international seller."