‘Fast And Furious’ Sequel Confirmed, ‘The Lost Symbol’ Adaptation Too

There’s some sequel news today to be excited about. The first should appeal to the ever-growing audience of people who love themselves some religious conspiracy. Following the success of the Tom Hanks-starring adaptations of Dan Brown’s books “The Da Vinci Code” and “Angels & Demons,” today brings the no-brainer confirmation that Columbia Pictures is moving forward with adapting the most recent story in that series: “The Lost Symbol.”

The story brings Hanks’ Robert Langdon back to the United States, to Washington, D.C., where he attempts to unravel a mystery involving the Freemasons. The studio has confirmed “Eastern Promises” writer Steven Knight for the script, though no deal is yet in place for Hanks. However, the Variety report on the news does state that the veteran actor is expected to be back.

Elsewhere in Hollywood, and reported in Variety, Universal revealed that plans are set for another “Fast and Furious,” currently being called “Fast Five.” The process is much further along than it is with the Brown adaptation, as much of the returning cast and top-level crew are already confirmed.

Stars Vin Diesel and Paul Walker will be back, along with director Justin Lin and producer Neal Moritz. In this follow-up, Diesel and Walker will play fugitives on the run, presumably from behind the wheel of very fast custom cars. The plan is for shooting to start before the year’s end, with a hoped-for 2011 release.

Which of these sequels are you more excited for?

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