Dame Helen Mirren joins cast of Fast and Furious 8
Academy Award winner plans to do her own driving
DAME Helen Mirren has landed the most unlikely role of her career in action movie Fast and Furious 8.
The Oscar winner, 70, signed up to the blockbuster car franchise after bosses ensured she would get behind the wheel of the supercars.
She also wanted to feature in a “fun” movie, taking a break from serious roles.
Helen said: “I’ve always rather loved driving. I said, ‘I’ll be in it, but only if I’m allowed to drive if I do drive in it.’ But we’ll see.”
Last year the actress touted her services for the movie, which stars action heroes Vin Disiel and Jason Statham.
She also backed up her driving credentials when she took part in the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car feature during an episode of Top Gear in 2007.
She said: “My great ambition is to be in a Fast and Furious movie.
“I so want to be a mad driver in a Fast and Furious movie ... my claim to fame is I always do my own driving. I was on Top Gear, and I did [my lap] in a very good time.”
After hearing her pleas, Diesel seemingly got the wheels in motion, saying: “She is on the list. Be careful what you wish for, Helen!”
Details of Helen’s role in the eighth instalment of the franchise are being kept under wraps.
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However, the cast, which also includes newcomer Charlize Theron, has already started shooting scenes in Iceland.
The official Fast and Furious twitter feed confirmed Helen’s part yesterday.
A tweet read: “It doesn’t get better than this: Helen Mirren joins the Fast Family in #F8. 4.14.17”.