Paul Walker's death puts hold on 'Fast and Furious 7' shooting

Paul Walker’s death puts hold on ‘Fast and Furious 7’ shooting

By Steven Zeitchik and Amy Kaufman

Dec. 3, 2013 7 AM PT

“Fast and Furious 7” on Monday began what could be an extended hiatus in the aftermath of the death of actor Paul Walker.

The Universal Pictures film was set to resume shooting in Atlanta after a holiday break — with Walker slated to appear in key scenes throughout the week — but the cameras stayed down.

It is unknown when shooting will resume as filmmakers consider how to adjust the storyline.

PHOTOS: Paul Walker, 1973 - 2013

Director James Wan, lead producer Neal Moritz and Universal executives have been convening to figure out how to recalibrate the movie without Walker, who shot only some of his scenes as ex-cop Brian O’Conner before he was killed in a car accident Saturday in Valencia.

“Fast” veteran Chris Morgan wrote the script, which centers on rival racing crews; it is not yet clear whether he will be brought back to rework the movie’s plot. No shooting was expected for Tuesday.

If it becomes protracted, the production delay could lead to a postponement of the film’s July 11 release date. The movie is an anchor of Universal’s summer schedule.

PHOTOS: Celebrities react to the death of Paul Walker

A Universal spokeswoman declined to comment on any delay or future plans.

Walker, who was 40 at the time of his death, had been a key part of the “Fast” franchise, starring in all but one of the global franchise’s series.

Meanwhile, the director of Walker’s previously shot “Hours” — in which the actor plays a man who must save his infant daughter during Hurricane Katrina — said he is pleased the film’s release schedule will move forward as planned on Dec. 13.

VIDEO: Five memorable ‘Fast & Furious’ scenes featuring Paul Walker

“Paul was so anxious to get the movie out into the world so that everyone could see what he’d done,” said Eric Heisserer, who also served as screenwriter on the $4-million production.

Heisserer, who spent the last month promoting the movie alongside Walker, told The Times that he has yet to discuss any shift in marketing plans with distributor Pantelion Films.

But the filmmaker said that the tragedy has caused a change in mind set.

“I’m sure we’ll have to be very mindful — going over things four or five times making sure we are honoring him properly,” he said. “You don’t want to be insensitive.”

[email protected]

More to Read

Movies

Steven Zeitchik

Steven Zeitchik is a former Los Angeles Times staff writer who covered film and the larger world of Hollywood for the paper from 2009 to 2017, exploring the personalities, issues, content and consequences of both the creative and business (and, increasingly, digital) aspects of our screen entertainment. He previously covered entertainment beats at Variety and the Hollywood Reporter, has contributed arts and culture pieces to the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post and the New York Times and has done journalistic tours of duty in Jerusalem and Berlin. While at The Times he has also reported stories in cities ranging from Cairo to Krakow, though Hollywood can still seem like the most exotic destination of all.

Amy Kaufman

Amy Kaufman is a columnist at the Los Angeles Times, where she writes the A-1 column “For Real With Amy Kaufman.” The series examines the lives of icons, underdogs and rising stars to find out who the people are shaping our culture — for real. Since joining The Times in 2009, she has profiled hundreds of influential figures including Stevie Nicks, Nick Cannon, Drew Barrymore and Lady Gaga. She is also an investigative reporter and was part of the 2022 Pulitzer Prize finalist team that covered the tragic shooting on the “Rust” film set. Her work often shines a light on the darker side of the entertainment business, and she has uncovered misconduct allegations against Randall Emmett and Russell Simmons. In 2018, her book “Bachelor Nation: Inside the World of America’s Favorite Guilty Pleasure” became a New York Times bestseller.

Paul Walker’s death puts hold on ‘Fast and Furious 7’ shooting

More to Read

More From the Los Angeles Times

Most Read in Movies