Charlize Theron as villain in 'The Fast and the Furious 8'?

Los Angeles: Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron is in talks to join the cast of upcoming action film 'The Fast and the Furious 8', as a new villain.

While it’s unclear where negotiations stand currently, sources close to the situation say that the Universal Pictures is eager to add Theron to the ensemble cast, reports variety.com.

Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Tyrese Gibson and Jason Statham are all expected to return, along with other franchise favourites. It was announced in October that following the success of 'Straight Outta Compton', F. Gary Gray would direct the project.

The film is dated to release on April 17 next year.

Theron is next attached to star in 'The Gray Man', but the film is going through a rewrite to change the main character from male to female, making it possible to fit both movie into her schedule.

Theron is currently filming spy thriller 'The Coldest City'.