Eva Mendes is rumored to be returning to the cast of "Fast & Furious 8," set to film, at least partially, in Cuba.

The Hollywood Reporter recently reported the next chapter of the action series is slated to become the second Hollywood flick to film in Cuba since the U.S. placed a ban on dealings with the Caribbean island more than 50 years ago.

Universal Pictures execs confirmed the locale is under serious consideration, revealing in a statement that film honchos are "currently in the process [of] seeking approval from the United States and Cuban governments to explore shooting a portion of the next installment of the 'Fast & Furious' series in Cuba."

As for Mendes, Screen Rants reports the actress is also now being considered for a leading role in a spin-off production of the action franchise. Word is star Vin Diesel and "Fast 7" director F. Gary Gray ("Straight Outta Compton") both now want to test the waters for potential spin offs featuring Mendes' character Monica Fuentes. Mendes previously starred in "2 Fast 2 Furious" and made a cameo in "Fast Five."

Since the series was forced to retire protagonist Brian O'Connor, after the death of actor Paul Walker, speculation is Universal may be forming a plan to call back a slew of the franchise's former star favorites, like Ludacris and Dwayne Johnson. Jason Statham has now also joined the franchise cast. The studio is said to be hoping to use the additional cast to move forward with Diesel's stated goal of ending the series with a "trilogy," leading all the way up to a 10th and final film.

Meanwhile, several media outlets have reported it remains unclear how Mendes' character will figure into the "Fast 8" plotline. Still, it is rumored she will be prominently featured, with Tommy Hatto's character serving as one of her close allies in the film.

Johnson's character Hobbs is also rumored to be under consideration for a possible spin off, and the former WWE star hasn't tried to hide his interest in the idea.

"We all are interested in it," he said. "I just had a big conversation with the studio. So we'll see. I still think for me personally we've created a little bit of space for him in 7 and the gauge is set for what the audience will want. That's my take on it, you know, but a lot of other people have to have input."

"Fast 8" is slated to open in U.S. theaters in April 2017.

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