The production of Fast and Furious 7 has now been put on hold, and it is unclear if and when it may resume, following the tragic death of Paul Walker on Saturday. Director James Wan reportedly says that the film will not be thrown out entirely, but it is unknown how it will now proceed.
Wan and executives at Universal held a meeting on Sunday to discuss possible scenarios for rewriting the movie, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Shooting was supposed to resume on Monday after the cast and crew enjoyed a Thanksgiving break over the weekend.
Apparently an estimated one-half of the film had already been shot, but the remaining half still included many scenes with Walker. The majority of this week’s schedule was set to be shooting scenes with Walker, but that is only one conundrum for the film’s production; according to a TMZ insider, everyone involved with the film is “too distraught to work anyway.” The source also says that many of the actors, including Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson, “…don’t want to even think about the movie. Period.”
I am so beyond heartbroken right now. I can't process anything.
— James Wan (@creepypuppet) December 1, 2013
All my strength, love & faith to the Walker family during this heartbreaking time. We find our strength.. in his light. Love you brother.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) December 1, 2013
The film was scheduled to be released July 11, 2014, but that is also now unclear. The film’s release date will depend primarily on the time frame in which the cast and crew are able to return to the set.
The grief and overwhelming sadness of the actors and crew on Fast and Furious 7 has been apparent; many of them have taken to social media sites like Twitter to express their sorrow, as well as remembering their friend publicly. Tyrese Gibson visited the makeshift memorial at the crash site on Sunday and was overcome with emotion.
Real man don't cry, but Tyrese Gibson did.
R.I.P Paul Walker pic.twitter.com/GdQSPmqien
— ola (@iAustinsGurl) December 2, 2013
TMZ is now reporting that a story is developing that street racing may have contributed to the crash. Apparently, the area where Walker and Rodas were driving is known to be a popular spot for racing. The details of this alleged claim are still murky, but officials are reportedly looking for any video or eyewitness evidence to support the theory.
The details of services for Walker and Rodas have not been released, but the coroner is reportedly still waiting on dental records to arrive later this week. Until then, autopsies cannot be performed due to the severe burning of the bodies.
Main image courtesy @FF7Movie via Twitter.