James Wan in talks to direct Fast & Furious 7

Universal clearly aren’t messing around. Just last week we learned that Justin Lin had passed on the opportunity to direct Fast & Furious 7 , but the studio already looks to have a replacement lined up in James Wan.

Deadline reports that the Insidious director is currently in talks to head up the next instalment of the hi-octane franchise, after Lin was put off by the studio’s desire for a quick turnaround.

With Fast & Furious 6 not even in cinemas yet, Universal is thought to want to begin shooting number 7 as soon as this summer, with one eye on a 2014 release date.

“I’m extremely proud to be part of the Fast franchise, it is an experience I will always treasure,” said Lin, who has directed the series since Tokyo Drift . “It’s time for me to move on to other things and I’m thrilled that Universal have selected James Wan to lead the franchise into its new chapter.”

Paul Walker and Vin Diesel are already confirmed to return, while the last act of the sixth film will reportedly set up the seventh, with the arrival of a big-name star who’ll assume the reins as villain.

We’ll have to wait until Fast & Furious 6 opens on 24 May 2013 to find out more...

George Wales

George was once GamesRadar's resident movie news person, based out of London. He understands that all men must die, but he'd rather not think about it. But now he's working at Stylist Magazine.