Vanessa Kirby joins 'Fast and Furious' spinoff 'Hobbs and Shaw'

Oct. 30 (UPI) -- Vanessa Kirby has been cast in Universal's upcoming Fast and Furious spinoff film Hobbs and Shaw starring Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham.

Johnson introduced Kirby to the project on Instagram Monday alongside an on-set photo of himself alongside the actress.

"Building out our Fast & Furious franchise step by step. In our spin-off, Hobbs and Shaw, I have a nice new friend. Meet 'Hattie Shaw' played by my homegirl, @vanessa__kirby," Johnson said.

"Hattie loves the following/ Longs walks on the beach. Being a bad ass MI6 Operative. Drinking tequila with Hobbs. And not in that order," Johnson continued, before noting that Kirby's character is the sister of Statham's character, Deckard Shaw.

"But what makes me happier is welcoming this crazy talented actress and cool chick to our movie. Havin' a blast together," Johnson said.

Kirby reposted Johnson's photo on Instagram. "Juuust gently showin this guy the ropes. V gently of course," she said.

Kirby is best known for starring as Princess Margaret on the first two seasons of Netflix's The Crown. Helena Bonham Carter is taking over the role as the show continues to chronicle the royal family as they age.

Johnson will be reprising his Fast and Furious franchise role in Hobbs and Shaw as Luke Hobbs. The actor previously portrayed the character in 2017's Fate of the Furious where he nearly fought Statham during a prison riot.

Hobbs and Shaw, from director David Leitch, is set to arrive in theaters on July 26, 2019.