Filming for “Fast 8 New Roads Ahead,” the eighth go-round for the “Fast & Furious” movie franchise, has commenced in Cuba of all places. The “Fast 8” crew is the first major Hollywood studio film production to shoot in the previously shuttered country since strict embargoes were lifted by the American and Cuban governments earlier in the year.

Cuba has an enduring affection for American classics as there are numerous car clubs for 1950s Chevy, Ford, Cadillac, Lincoln, and Chrysler products. Many of the country’s taxis are also from the golden age of Detroit iron. Cuban enthusiasts are known for their highly inventive and ‘MacGuyver-ish’ methods of repairing and maintaining these old timers as spare parts are rare because of the 1962 embargo.

Shooting got under way in Havana with director F. Gary Gray running the show. The roster of star power for “Fast 8” includes Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Dwayne Johnson, Eva Mendes, Chris Bridges, Lucas Black, Kurt Russell, Charlize Theron, and Jason Statham.

Universal Studios has put out a behind-the-scenes teaser video starring Vin Diesel and Michelle Rodriguez rolling around the streets of Havana in a Tri-Five Chevy. The footage also includes street racing scenes in Havana starring some local classic Americana.

Along with Cuba, the “Fast 8” will shoot in Dubai, Rio de Janeiro, and Iceland, but the story is reportedly based in New York. As we understand it, the plot will follow Mr. Nobody, Kurt Russell’s character from “Furious 7.” The movie looks to be a revenge showdown between Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham) and his brother Owen versus the good guys, Diesel, Johnson, Rodriguez, and the rest of the gang, protecting Russell’s Mr. Nobody.

We’ll have wait a while before we can see how the plot shakes out for ourselves as “Fast 8” is currently slated for an April 2017 release.