Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham 'Fast and Furious' spinoff to release in 2019

Oct. 9 (UPI) -- Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham's Fast and Furious spinoff film is set to release in theaters on July 26. 2019.

Universal has dated the project after recently delaying the release of Fast and Furious 9 one year to April 10, 2020.

The spinoff film, being written by franchise screenwriter Chris Morgan, will feature Johnson and Statham reprising their Fast and Furious roles as special agent Hobbs and skilled criminal Deckard Shaw as they team up on an undisclosed mission, Variety reported.

The pair were last seen almost coming to blows during a prison riot in the eighth installment of the series, Fate of the Furious, that ended with Hobbs and Shaw working together with the other members of the ensemble cast.

"Fast & Furious is one of Universal's most beloved properties, and we handle every decision we make surrounding this franchise with great care," Universal chairman Donna Langley said to The Hollywood Reporter. "The global brand of Fast & Furious is strong and full of iconic characters, and we look forward to continuing to build on the film that started it all, as well as expanding into different narratives beginning with our first spinoff."

Johnson also commented on the spinoff on Twitter writing, "My goal from day 1 was to come in and create an exciting/fun character for the fans, elevate the franchise and build it out. #HobbsShaw2019."

Previously, Fast and Furious cast member Tyrese Gibson blamed Johnson for Fast and Furious 9's delay on social media and alluded to the spinoff.

"Congratulations to [The Rock] and your brother in law aka 7 bucks producing partner [Hiram Garcia] for making the fast and the furious franchise about YOU," Gibson wrote on Instagram. "And like you, DJ even if they call I will not be deleting this post - Gn folks see you in 2020 April #FastFamily right? Nah... it's about #TeamDewayne #3yrs will it be worth the wait? #NoShaw just Hobbs will this be another #BayWatch? Guys guys just relax I'm just a passionate film critic."