Production for Fast & Furious 7 was scheduled to resume on Sunday, Dec. 1 after the cast took a quick break to spend Thanksgiving with their families and loved ones. However, due to the unexpected death of actor Paul Walker, Universal decided to temporarily halt production as the cast and crew deal with the tragedy. Fellow co-star Tyrese Gibson seems to be taking it the hardest amongst the crew and has publicly posted his emotions and feelings on social media sites since learning of the accident on Saturday and is clearly in no condition to focus on his role in the movie. Media outlets were on the scene of the crash as Tyrese visited and witnessed him being overcome with emotion over the death of his friend.
According to Tyrese’s Instagram page, he is planning a getaway to take a break and clear his mind. He simply captioned the photo, “See you soon …”
About half of the film had been finished shooting before Walker died Saturday in a fatal car accident in Santa Clarita, Calif. Walker was with Roger Rodas, who was the CEO of Walker’s company, Always Evolving. Rodas was behind the wheel and both were killed in the accident that ended with the car engulfed in flames. TMZ is reporting that the autopsies on Walker and Rodas have been delayed until later this week because both bodies were burned beyond recognition, so the coroner must wait for dental records.
A spokesperson for Universal released the following statement following the announcement of the delay in production:
“Paul was truly one of the most beloved and respected members of our studio family for 14 years, and this loss is devastating to us, to everyone involved with the Fast and Furious films, and to countless fans. We send our deepest and most sincere condolences to Paul’s family.”
The film’s original release date was scheduled for July 11, 2014.
