Like many I was saddened to hear of the tragic death of actor Paul Walker over the Thanksgiving Holiday. While I wasn't a huge fan of the actor, I appreciated the Fast and the Furious series and I'll always remember him as Lance Harbor in Varsity Blues. My heart truly goes out to his friends and family. Though I never knew the man personally his charity* work speaks for itself.
Unfortunately, the wheel of Hollywood doesn't stop for grief long and the fact is that Walker was amidst filming The Fast and the Furious 7 when his death occurred. Obviously his role of Brian O'Connor was a major part of the franchise and leaves a gaping hole in the film. So where does the movie go from here?
Director James Wan and Universal are currently discussing the best route to take at this time, although a decision is apparently several weeks away. Universal has stated that production will continue although the consensus is that production will be scrapped and begin anew. People behind the production want Paul Walker's character to be part of the film but they don't want to force anything. Producers have categorically denied any type of CGI of Walker's character being part of the film as well.
I really can't imagine a Fast & Furious 7 without the character of Brian O'Connor but Universal and Wan must tread lightly here. You don't want to be disrespectful to Walker's memory. I say Walker's character will still be a part of the film but will they kill him off and then make it part of a revenge factor for Vin Diesel's character? As tempting as that route may be, I think it's a horrible idea. It comes across as a convenient deus ex machina for Walker's death and trivializes the man's life. I'd say scrap the film altogether but 6 ended on a cliffhanger so that's out of the question.
This situation sucks all around and there's no right move. However, I trust Universal will figure something out.
Fast & Furious 7 is scheduled to release July 11, 2014 but I wouldn't be surprised if the date is pushed back.
*Universal Studios will donate a portion of the DVD sales of Fast & Furious 6 to Walker's charity 'Reach Out Worldwide' which benefits first responders for natural disasters. Walker started the charity after the 2010 Haitian earthquake.
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