Addressing the audience at the Universal's CinemaCon Panel in Las Vegas on Thursday, actor Vin Diesel has confirmed that 'Furious 8' will hit the theaters on April 14, 2017.

Variety reports that holding his tears back, Diesel enlightened the gathering of theater owners saying, "It means a lot to me to get your blessing." While talking, the actor took the attendees at the CinemaCon two years back in time when Diesel, Paul Walker, who died in a car crash in 2013, and Caesars Palace told the audience from the same stage that they planned to do a seventh film in the 'Fast and Furious' franchise.

Addressing the audience on the occasion, Diesel said, "We were giddy and excited," adding, "You all gave me so much confidence. There was so much love."

According to the report, at different points of time following the shocking death of Paul Walker, it appeared that the circumstances might compel Universal to cancel the production. At the time when Walker died in the car accident, shooting of "Furious 7' was still incomplete but it was possible to complete the project owing to the effort of special effects technicians and stunt doubles. According to the movies domestic distribution Chief Nick Carpou, the end result was "a cathartic experience for fans of Walker."

Prior to Diesel's announcement confirming 'Furious 8,' the organizers screened a footage of the final moment of 'Furious 7,' particularly the scene wherein the two characters go on a final car race before moving on to their separate ways.

Praising the distributors, Diesel said, "You've been so loyal all along," and added, "You helped us create history here."

Meanwhile, it is worth noting that 'Furious 7' has garnered $1.15 billion at the global box office, making it No.7 on the list of highest-earning films ever. If the trend continues, the movie is like to end up earning more than $1.4 billion overall.