Denzel Washington Turns Down Fast And Furious Role

Denzel Washington has turned down a role in the hit 'Fast & Furious' franchise.
'Fast & Furious 7' director James Wan - who replaces Justin Lin at the helm of the street-racing film series - had approached the '2 Guns' actor about taking on a villainous role, but he apparently declined, according to Deadline.
Had a deal been worked out, Washington's character would have been introduced in next year's 'Fast & Furious' movie in a minor role, before taking on a major role in the eighth instalment of the franchise.
Producers used a similar tactic earlier this summer with 'Fast & Furious 6' when 'Transporter' actor Jason Statham was introduced at the end of the movie as a new villain, who will become the main antagonist in the 2014 follow-up.
Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster are all expected to reprise their roles for the seventh movie.
Diesel - who also produces the series - recently revealed that the globe-trotting franchise will next shoot in Japan, after filming the sixth instalment in London and the fifth in Rio de Janeiro.
He said: ''We're definitely going back home [to the US], as you know from seeing 'Fast & Furious 6'.
''We will have a stint in Tokyo and there is the Middle East next, that could be very interesting.''
'Fast & Furious 7' is due for release in July 2014.
[via Contactmusic]