Confirming theories and assumptions made since Paul Walker's shocking death, Universal has followed up the reveal that CGI and body doubles would be used to complete the late actor’s scenes in FAST AND FURIOUS 7 with a note to who the doubles will be. In a note posted to the Facebook page for FAST AND FURIOUS 7, the studio acknowledged that Walker’s brothers Caleb and Cody will complete filming elements of the film.
FAST AND FURIOUS 7 halted production after Walker’s car accident with filming announced to resume this month. The statement claims that Walker completed most of his significant shooting and the remaining scenes will be adjusted to pay respect to the late actor. Like other films that lost a star during production, FAST AND FURIOUS 7 will be creative in completing the film without disrespecting the real life events that led to them being necessitated.
The FAST AND FURIOUS franchise has long been a close knit group of actors and crew who were stunned by Paul Walker‘s passing and this statement clearly reflects that the studio wants to be as respectful as they can. It remains to be seen just how much CGI will be needed to complete the project, but hats off to them all for doing so as professionally as possible.
Read the full statement below. FAST AND FURIOUS 7 hits theaters April 10, 2015.
A Note to the Fans of FAST & FURIOUS
The FAST & FURIOUS saga is about family. The characters are connected by the bond of family, and it is how all of us who have worked together for more than thirteen years feel about each other. It certainly defines how we feel about our fans.
Our family experienced an unthinkable shock in November. We had to take time to grieve Paul, the brother we love and lost, and to figure out if we should move on with our film.
We came together and all felt the only choice was to continue. We believe our fans want that, and we believe Paul would want that too. Paul had already shot his dramatic scenes and most of his action for FAST & FURIOUS 7, and it’s among the strongest work of his career.
We have resumed shooting and now welcome Paul’s brothers, Caleb and Cody, into our FAST family. Caleb and Cody are helping us complete some remaining action for their brother and fill in small gaps left in production. Having them on set has made us all feel that Paul is with us too.
We are just under a year away from the release of FAST & FURIOUS 7, and this film is the most important we’ve ever done together. It will allow the character of Brian O’Conner to live on and let us celebrate Paul in his most defining role.
We wanted to take a moment to speak to our fans directly and thank you for the love and support you always show us as we resume our work.