Update: Deadline is reporting that the studio’s top choices are Ericson Core (Invincible, Point Break) and Louis Leterrier (Now You See Me, Clash of the Titans).

Last week we learned that Furious 8 was without a director after both James Wan and Justin Lin passed on the project, leaving Universal in desperate need of a replacement. It was also being reported that Vin Diesel had some say in the matter although he did not have veto power over the studio. Now this week Diesel has taken to Facebook to reveal his own top choice for the project (aside from himself) and it appears to be Rob Cohen, who directed the original The Fast and the Furious back in 2001. At the moment, it is unclear if Cohen is even a possibility, but this is what Diesel had to say about it:

“First and most importantly is the SCRIPT, which has to be great. Hopefully the writer will deliver something within the next two weeks… before my Witch Hunter press tour begins. There has always been the desire by Paul to have Rob direct one more, this is what fueled my campaign… believe that he can and would reset the franchise nicely, returning to what was the core of the film in the beginning… racing. He would also handle the Brian O’connor issue with integrity, given that he and David Ayer were the ones who initially created that beloved character in the first place.

Ultimately we all want the best film to honor what we have created and what you the audience has adopted as your favorite franchise. I will leave this matter in the studios hands for a moment while I release The Last Witch Hunter and start production of the long awaited “Xander Returns”.

Again, we make these films with Our hearts.”

So it sounds like Furious 8 would be the start of a new trilogy, and potentially, the final one. It also sounds like the next movie will focus on street racing again, which is a surprise considering that the transition to a more straightforward heist / action movie set-up has helped the movies reach a much wider audience. Diesel also mentioned that he has also been talking with Justin Lin about returning to the series after he finishes Star Trek Beyond.

As for Rob Cohen, he used to be one of the biggest action directors in Hollywood but in recent years he has focused more on thrillers like Alex Cross and The Boy Next Door starring Jennifer Lopez. It’s unclear if he still has the clout to take on one of the biggest blockbuster franchises around. Do you think Rob Cohen would be a good choice for Furious 8?