Los Angeles, Jun 16 (IANS): Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren is the latest star to join the "The Fast and the Furious" franchise, following the casting of Charlize Theron as the villain in the upcoming eighth instalment.

Mirren said she accepted the role in the sequel for “the fun of it”. Character as well as plot details are still under wraps, the Guardian reported.

Asked if she is a fan of cars, Mirren told Elle magazine: “I have always rather loved driving. I said, ‘I will be in it, but only if I am allowed to drive, if I do drive, in it.' But we will see. We will see how it transpires."

This marks Mirren's first major role in an action franchise since her involvement in "Red" and "Red 2", in which she starred with actor Bruce Willis.

Mirren and Theron will be joined by "The Fast and the Furious" stalwarts Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris and the last movie’s official villain, Jason Statham. "Straight Outta Compton" helmer F Gary Gray is directing the project.

The film is set to release on April 14, 2017, and is the first of a new trilogy taking the series forward following the death of leading man Paul Walker.