'Fast 8' releases first image of Charlize Theron's character

Oscar winning actress Charlize Theron plays hardened criminal Cipher in upcoming "Fast & Furious" film "Fast 8," with the movie's Twitter account posting its first image of the pony-tailed, black-jacketed character

As Cipher, Theron stands next to a rack of scoped assault rifles in a black jacket and blond ponytail, wearing a vintage-style t-shirt from US rock band Metallica that's been customized to show two pendant necklaces.

The actress has come off a phenomenal year in which she picked up over 35 awards and nominations for her performance in Australian action movie "Mad Max: Fury Road."

"Our crew has faced former miilitary, mercenaries & more. Now they meet Cipher," wrote the @FastFurious Twitter account on May 20.

Charlize joins franchise newcomers Scott Eastwood and Kristofer Hivju on "Fast 8," with the films' established core crew including Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris and Lucas Black; Kurt Russell and Nathalie Emmanuel reprise their roles from 2015 blockbuster "Furious 7."

Directed by "Straight Outta Compton" helmer F. Gary Gray, "Fast 8" is set for international debut the week of April 14, 2017.