LOS ANGELES: Director F Gary Gray, known for his Italian Job remake and this summer’s breakout hit Straight Outta Compton will reportedly direct Fast and Furious 8, starring actor Vin Diesel.

Diesel posted a photograph of himself with Gray on his official Facebook page, sparking rumours that the director will handle Universal’s action franchise, reports variety.com.

On October 5, the studio narrowed down to four directors, including Gray, The Guest’s Adam Wingard, Now You See Me helmer Louis Leterrier and Will Eubank.

If chosen, Gray will take over from James Wan, who directed Furious 7.

Before Wan, the franchise was directed by Justin Lin. Rob Cohen directed the first film in the series, 2001’s The Fast and the Furious, while John Singleton directed its first sequel 2 Fast, 2 Furious.

The production of the film is set to begin in 2016.

According to sources, Gray was in the running for Marvel’s Black Panther, but his meeting with Diesel swayed the director to go for Fast and Furious 8.