Deadpool 2 director David Leitch might direct Dwayne Johnson-Jason Statham's Fast and Furious spin-off

Director David Leitch is in negotiations to helm the untitled Fast and Furious spinoff starring Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham.

The film will focus on the characters Luke Hobbs (Johnson), a Diplomatic Security Service agent and Deckard Shaw (Statham), a criminal mastermind and an assassin, Deadline reported .

Chris Morgan has written the script, making it his sixth installment in the franchise.

Leitch, a stuntman turned director, came into the limelight after the success of John Wick, which he co-directed with Chad Stahelski, and last year’s Atomic Blonde, starring Charlize Theron.

He is currently awaiting the release of his latest directorial venture, Deadpool 2, starring Ryan Reynolds and Josh Brolin.

The Fast and Furious spinoff is set to release on 26 July, 2019.

The release of Fast And Furious 9 has been pushed back to 10 April, 2020. The ninth chapter was originally scheduled to open on 19 April, 2019. Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson have been confirmed to reprise their roles.

Meanwhile, the release of the much anticipated Deadpool 2 was advanced two weeks earlier than the scheduled date. Twentieth Century Fox shuffled the release dates for its slate of X-Men films and moved Deadpool 2 to 18 May 18 from 1 June.

Also read: Deadpool 2 teaser trailer starring Ryan Reynolds is loaded with action, self-punching humour and introduces Cable

With inputs from agencies