After much deliberation, we now know what will be done with Paul Walker‘s character in FAST AND FURIOUS 7. After filming about half of his scenes for the sequel, Walker died in a car accident on December 1st. After a period of grieving, Universal and director James Wan elected to delay the film from the original 2014 release to the beginning of Summer 2015. Rumors swirled that they would kill of Walker’s character, Brian O’Conner, or possibly shoot scenes using a stand-in and CGI.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the decision has been made to keep Paul Walker‘s scenes in the film while writing and shooting new scenes that will allow Brian O’Conner to be “retired” from the story. This will allow for a dignified exit for the late actor, a tribute to fans who want to see his final work, and also allows the films to continue without him. It is unknown how the story will work, but this will add an additional buzz to the already anticipated movie.
FAST AND FURIOUS 7 was going to be a box office hit regardless of what was decided as the films have only grown more profitable with each successive entry. Walker’s death, as gruesome as it sounds, will have a similar effect as Heath Ledger‘s passing in advance of THE DARK KNIGHT as fans want to see their legacy on screen.
FAST AND FURIOUS 7 hits screens on April 10, 2015.