This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Important scenes in the upcoming "Fast and Furious" film that involved Paul Walker were scheduled to shoot in Atlanta this coming Tuesday, TMZ has learned. Cast and crew were supposed to fly out there this weekend to prep for the shoot.
One of the lingering questions in the wake of Paul Walker's sudden and tragic death has centered on the future of the "Fast and Furious" franchise, of which he was an integral part. Buzzfeed has confirmed that the seventh installment in the popular series, directed by "Saw" creator James Wan, was in the middle of production when Paul died and was scheduled for a July 2014 release date.
Sources close to TMZ have speculated that Universal, who is behind the movie, will halt production as writers scramble for rewrites. Since Walker is an integral part of the series, this will likely be an extremely tough task. Meanwhile, members of the cast and crew are reportedly heartbroken over Walker's death and are "too distraught to work anyway." Co-stars and crew, including Tyrese Gibson and Vin Diesel, expressed their shock at Walker's death.
Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed expressed sadness at Walker's death and offered condolences to his family:
We are very saddened by the loss of @RealPaulWalker. Our prayers go out to his family & friends. We always enjoyed having him in the city.
— Kasim Reed (@KasimReed) December 1, 2013
Walker has been a part of the "Fast and Furious" franchise since the beginning, when "The Fast and The Furious," the first movie of the franchise, debuted in the summer of 2001. It became a breakout hit and spawned five more sequels. Walker appeared in each sequel except one, "Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift," which is, coincidentally, the least lucrative member of the franchise, Buzzfeed reports.
UPDATE 12/2: The Hollywood Reporter is saying that production on "Fast and Furious 7" will be temporarily delayed due to Walker's death, but the film will not be scrapped. Director James Wan and executives from Universal held a conference call all day yesterday discussing the possibility of rewrites and how to respectfully handle Walker's death.
Sources close to THR are saying that most of the film has been shot, but the crew was supposed to travel to Abu Dhabi in January to film a few scenes.
Related:
Confirmed: Actor Paul Walker Has Died In A Car Crash
Dental Records Needed To Identify Paul Walker's Body, Memorial Goes Up At Crash Site
Stars React To The Death Of Paul Walker
