FAST AND FURIOUS 7 Release Date Likely Delayed Following Paul Walker's Death

According to Variety, following the untimely death of actor FAST AND FURIOUS Paul Walker, filming on the franchise's seventh installment will most likely be delayed.

Director James Wan reportedly held a conference with Universal execs this morning to determine a new course for the film. Per the report, "it is unclear how much of Walker's footage had been shot, though judging by action photos posted on Twitter by the cast, it's likely that the majority of footage lensed was costly action sequences. That makes it uncertain what creative solutions Wan and Universal are left with as they consider scenarios for Walker's character, undercover Los Angeles police officer Brian O'Conner. It is expected that the studio will proceed with the pic, though Universal would not comment beyond a statement issued Saturday night."

The Hollywood Reporter has also confirmed that the film will be released, and shooting in Atlanta will resume in the coming weeks.

The film also stars Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham

FAST AND THE FURIOUS 7 is scheduled for a July 11, 2014 release - though with a potential delay in filming all confirmed, a new date may be assigned.

The actor's representatives confirmed his death last night, as first reported by TMZ, in a post on his official Facebook page. It read: "It is with a truly heavy heart that we must confirm that Paul Walker passed away today in a tragic car accident while attending a charity event for his organization Reach Out Worldwide. He was a passenger in a friend's car, in which both lost their lives. We appreciate your patience as we too are stunned and saddened beyond belief by this news. Thank you for keeping his family and friends in your prayers during this very difficult time. We will do our best to keep you apprised on where to send condolences."

"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," a spokesperson for Universal said in a statement yesterday.

Walker and a friend were driving leaving a charity event for Reach Out Worldwide, driving home in a Porsche, which struck a light pole. Walker was the passenger.

Photo by: BEImages/Jim Smeal

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