LOS ANGELES, Sept 13 — The West African actor will be among the new faces of the racing film franchise launched in 2001, Universal Studios has announced.

Djimon Hounsou, a native of Benin, is known for his chiseled physique, which movie fans have admired in “Gladiator,” “Amistad” and “Blood Diamond.” The actor is the latest addition to the cast of “Fast & Furious 7,” which is currently being filmed.

Hounsou will act alongside the veterans of the racing film franchise - Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson and Paul Walker - as well as Jason Statham and Kurt Russell.

This seventh episode of “Fast & Furious” will be directed by James Wan, who will take a break from the horror genre (“The Conjuring,” “Insidious”) to film the high-speed showdowns the franchise is known for. Filmed in the style of a 1970s thriller, “Fast and Furious 7” will follow Ian Shaw (Jason Statham) in his quest to avenge the death of his brother, Owen Shaw (Luke Evans), in the previous installment of the film series, released last spring. — AFP-Relaxnews