Helen Mirren Joins 'Fast 8' – Huh?!

Back in March 2015, Helen Mirren stated that she wanted to be in The Fast And The Furious franchise. Now, proving that you should never, never stop dreaming, this is actually happening: Helen Mirren has joined Fast 8 , and though it's not yet clear who she'll be playing, the fact that this has gone from fun-aside-in-an-interview to real-life thing is amazing.

In March 2015, Mirren told Yahoo!: "My great ambition is to be in a Fast and Furious movie. I so want to be a mad driver in a Fast and Furious movie. My claim to fame is I always do my own driving — I was on Top Gear, and I did [my lap] in a very good time. I keep putting it out there, and they never ask me." Clearly, someone was listening, because Mirren included a very super casual plug in her Elle interview a little over a year later in June 2016 like it was no big deal that her "mad driver" dream has come true: "...I'm about to do Fast and Furious 8. But that's for the fun of it. So maybe that's what I want as well, some fun and some relevant, serious, important movies... I've always rather loved driving. I said, 'I'll be in it, but only if I'm allowed to drive if I do drive in it.' But we'll see. We'll see how it transpires."

Why? Whuh? Huh? Helen Mirren? This is a Very Big Deal and there's a distinct possibility I won't stop stuttering astonished half-sentences about it until this time next week. Why?

I Mean, What Other Fast and Furious Franchise Actor Has Played The Queen?

And not just once. Mirren has played a queen six times onscreen — impressive when you consider that this figure doesn't count all the times she's played a queen on stage, too. She's damn good at it, too. She's one of only four people ever to have won two Golden Globes in a year and both of them were for queen roles (The Queen, Elizabeth I). It's hard to imagine Mirren bringing her British regal poise to the racing streets of New York.

She's Acted With The Royal Shakespeare Company

Excited to see how Mirren's years of work bringing The Bard to life will translate to a film whose franchise has traditionally been all about the action, not so much about the dialogue.

She's A Female Fast And Furious Star Who Could Already Drive Prior To Landing The Role

Did you know that neither Jordana Brewster or Michelle Rodriguez could drive before they got their parts? They had to work on getting their drivers' licences before they could begin shooting. As we know from the above, Mirren is a dab hand behind the wheel.

Mirren. Queen. Thespian. And now, menace on the roads of New York. Sure, it's not the most obvious career evolution. But after these many serious roles, surely it's time for Mirren to wheel-y have some fun.

Images: Giphy (3)