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Tag: Fast and Furious

  • Kurt Russell Remembers Co-Star Paul Walker

    It was confirmed, back in September, that Kurt Russell would be joining the cast of the Fast and Furious franchise in their final installment of the series Fast and Furious 7.

    Speculation surrounded the possibility of Russell taking on a character in the newest film in early September, but it wasn’t until Universal Pictures released a photo of Russel on set, that fans realized the rumors were true. Vin Diesel was nice enough to share the photo on his personal Facebook page, and captioned it: “Kurt Russell, such an honor to work with… P.s. One from set…”

    (image)

    Since Paul Walker’s tragic death on November 30, 2013, production of the film has been halted, and Russell says that rewriting the film has been “catastrophic”. Russell also spoke highly of his late co-star, and revealed that they only had one day left of filming, when the car crash took his life at the young age of 40. Fast and Furious 7 was originally scheduled to be released in July 2014, but has since been pushed back until April 2015.

    “They’re having to rewrite, they’re having to do whatever they’re having to do to deal with the situation,” Russell explained. “It’s catastrophic. It’s the worst thing that could happen to a movie,” he said, and then added, “but it’s not as bad as what happened to Paul.”

    “So everything is in perspective,” Russell continued . “He was a terrific guy. And life is full of curveballs. It’s just a situation that they’ll work out and, at that time, I’ll go back to work.”

    Russell was originally cast to play a “father-figure”, who has not been named, to Vin Diesel’s character Dom Torreto. Now, Russell says he doesn’t know what is in store for his character. “I don’t know what is going to happen,” said Russell. “It’s obviously a difficult situation. Whether or not this guy dies off in the movie, we don’t know. That may have changed now significantly too.”

    Image via Facebook

  • ‘Pugilistic Stance’ Noted in Paul Walker Autopsy

    An autopsy of Paul Walker has found that the ‘Fast and Furious’ franchise actor died in a “pugilistic stance,” and suffered multiple fractures throughout his body including his jaw, collarbone, left upper arm, ribs and pelvis, according to the coroner’s report that was obtained by TMZ.

    Walker perished in a car wreck on November 30 due to the “combined effects of traumatic and thermal injuries” he’d received. Roger Rodas, the driver the 2005 Porsche Carrera GT involved in the accident, died upon impact, of “multiple traumatic injuries.”

    Walker, 40, was found in a defensive position called the “pugilistic stance” boxers use during fights, and his body was so badly burned that no organs were available for donation. The Medical Dictionary defines the ‘pugilisitc stance ‘ as what is typically seen in severely burned bodies, characterized by flexion of elbows, knees, hips and neck, and clenching of hands into fists. It is caused by high-temperatures from fires, resulting in muscle stiffening and shortening. The stance occurs even if the person was dead before the fire.

    The coronor’s report also stated that Walker had “scant soot in (his) trachea,” which suggests the actor might have taken a few breaths post-impact. The report also stated that Walker had 14% carbon monoxide saturation in his system, with the normal level sitting at around 2%, and that driver Rodas had 10%.

    The report also stated that the the Porsche the men were in was traveling at over 100 miles per hour at the time of the crash, spun 180 degrees, hit a tree and was torn nearly in half before exploding into flames.

    Donations can be made to Walker’s charity, Reach Out Worldwide (ROWW), via the ROWW website.

    Image via YouTube.

  • Paul Walker Autopsy Shows No Drugs Were Present In His Body

    No drugs or alcohol were present in Paul Walker’s body at the time of the crash that took his life, according to a coroner’s report published Friday.

    Both Paul Walker, 40, and his friend Roger Rodas, 38, tested negative for alcohol and drugs such as opiates, cocaine and marijuana. The Los Angeles County coroner’s report responded to lingering questions concerning exactly how the “Fast & Furious” star and his driving partner, Roger Rodas died.

    The 15-page report shows that the two friends were speeding at more than 100 miles per hour in a Porsche Carrera GT sports car. The car slammed into a tree before bursting into flames. The car was being driven by Rodas while Walker was sitting in the passenger seat of the vehicle.

    The fatal crash happened after the two men left the car shop they co-owned to take a ride in the Santa Clarita area, which is about 30 miles north of Hollywood. Rodas lost control of the speeding vehicle and the car spun out of control. The car then hit a tree before colliding with a light post.

    Details from the report show that the car became engulfed in flames about a minute later.

    The autopsy shows that Walker might have died before the fire and smoke started because there were only slight traces of soot present in his trachea. Had he still been alive just after the incident he may have inhaled more soot. However, his body was severely burned. His left arm, jaw bone pelvis, ribs, spine and collarbone all sustained fractures. Rodas’ body was also severely burned and fractured.

    LA Sheriff’s Department said the accident was caused by speeding.

    Paul Walker’s Last Moments Alive

    http://youtu.be/3AmMLKw3EbU

    Image via YouTube

  • Fast And Furious 7 Announces Release Date, Paul Walker’s Involvement

    Since the death of Paul Walker, the star of the Fast And Furious franchise, Fast and Furious has been one of the hottest topics in discussion, and there has been much speculation over what would happen with the upcoming film.

    His sudden death came as a shock to his friends and co-stars, and created quite the media buzz for weeks after his death, and the upcoming movie’s discussion is still continuing.

    After much speculation about whether the franchise would continue, and when the next film would be released, the official date of April 10, 2015 was announced.

    However, even after the news of the release date was given to fans, it was still unclear whether they would be able to see their favorite actor return, and whether his scenes would still be included in the film.

    For those that have somehow avoided the news until now, Paul Walker tragically died in a car accident on November 30th, and he was in the middle of filming the next installment of the Fast And Furious franchise at the time of his death.

    Vin Diesel was the one who brought the news of the upcoming Fast And Furious film’s released date, and announced to all of his fans via Facebook, along with a picture of him and Paul Walker duirng the last scene that they filmed together.

    Post by Vin Diesel.

    Things have shaped up more recently for the Fast And Furious 7 film, and what fans can expect to see when it is released in 2015. Whether his character would be removed with a totally new script or whether his scenes could be saved somehow, with some additional CGI footage was a heated topic in recent weeks.

    While it has not been completley resolved, Universal Pictures did release a follow up statement to Vin Diesel’s Facebook post that said “Continuing the global exploits in the franchise built on speed, Vin Diesel and Paul Walker lead the returning cast of Fast and Furious 7, which will be released by Universal Pictures on April 10, 2015. James Wan directs this chapter of the hugely successful series, and Neal H. Moritz and Vin Diesel return as producers.”

    Fans can expect to see Paul Walker in the upcoming Fast And Furuious film, if even for just a brief time. They had filmed the scenes, and he will be included for a portion of the film which is still to be determined.

    Image via Facebook

  • Dwayne Johnson Named Top-Grossing Actor Of 2013

    Dwayne Johnson, the Fast and Furious 6 star, has been named Forbes’ highest-grossing actor of 2013. The popular action star has been known to be in some big box office hits, and as a result, becomes the actor who made the most money of anyone this year.

    It was a big year for action films, and while Iron Man 3 was the highest-grossing film, Robert Downey Jr. simply did not make enough other films in order to beat Dwayne Johnson out for the top-grossing actor of the year honor.

    Dwayne Johnson appeared in five films this year, and while they weren’t all huge hits, Fast And Furious 6 was able to get him there with a little bit of help from the others, such as G.I. Joe: Retaliation. His films made a total of $1.3 billion at the global box office, preventing anyone else from coming close.

    The magazine takes into account the gross of an actor’s films between the time period of June 2012-June 2013, and are looking at how many dollars each star’s movies brought in at the box office worldwide this year.

    As a contrast to this honor, Adam Sandler was recently received the most-overpaid actor honor for 2013.

    With Fast And Furious 7 set to come out next year, in addition to Hercules, he could be looking at a similar year for 2014. The success of Fast And Furious 6 was also big enough to place Vin Diesel and Paul Walker on the list as well, although Diesel placed higher due to his latest Riddick film hitting theaters this year as well. In total, Fast And Furious 6 made $788.6 million at the box office.

    Robert Downey Jr. is second on the list with $1.2 billion in box office earnings, due to the success of Iron Man 3. While he has films coming out next year, he is not predicted to have another big year until 2015 when The Avengers: Age of Ultron comes out.

    As it certainly helps to make multiple films in a year, Steve Carrell placed in third with three films to help him out, one of them being a huge success. Despicable Me 2 was a hit with people of all ages, and brought in $919 million at the box office. Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Lawrence also make the list as the only two women this year.

    Despite not having the top-grossing film, Dwayne Johnson was able to grab the honor of the top-grossing actor of 2013.

    Image via Facebook

  • Paul Walker’s Death Certificate Released

    The Fast and Furious film franchise star Paul Walker’s death certificate has been released, and the document reports that the actor died due to the “combined effects of traumatic and thermal injuries” he’d received during a car wreck on November 30.

    TMZ obtained the certificate, which also reported that Walker’s death was “rapid,” and that Roger Rodas, the driver the 2005 Porsche Carrera GT involved in the accident, died upon impact, of “multiple traumatic injuries.” Toxicology results are still pending for both men.

    Walker’s funeral was held on Saturday, December 14, at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Los Angeles. The actor was 40 at the time of his death, and left behind a daughter named Meadow, age 15.

    Below is a tribute to Walker, which appears on the Fast & Furious YouTube channel:

    Authorities are still investigating the Santa Clarita crash scene where Walker died. Detective Jeff Maag told The Hollywood Reporter last week, “To the extent that we can, we need to rule out mechanical failure. But the car is a mess.” Maag also revealed that the vehicle was travelling at least 45 miles per hour before the accident occurred.

    Maag added that it will take at least 90 days to sort out all of the details of the accident. “We’re creating a factual diagram – mapping the scene,” Maag said, adding, “To the extent that we can, we need to rule out mechanical failure. But the car is a mess.” The notoriously difficult to operate Porsche Carrera GT went out of control and plowed into three trees and a light pole, during the crash.

    Here’s a clip of a Carrara GT in action, set to some strange Americanized Eurotrash idol-pop:

    Donations can be made to Walker’s charity, Reach Out Worldwide (ROWW), via the ROWW website.

    Image via YouTube.

  • Paul Walker Laid to Rest: Family and Friends Gather

    Yesterday, a group of family and friends gathered at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Los Angeles for the funeral of beloved actor Paul Walker. Walker’s life tragically came to an end two weeks ago after a car crash alongside his close friend and driver Roger Rodas.

    The 40-year-old’s remains were cremated on Thursday and his ashes were laid to rest at the cemetery.

    Walker’s mother, father and siblings were in attendance for the service along with many other who shared their love and respect for the Fast and Furious star.

    According to E! Tyrese, Ludacris and Michelle Rodriguez were also in attendance.

    Tyrese took to Instagram to remember the late star.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeIpQrCq_Ao

    Photo Credit: YouTube

  • Cody Walker May Finish Movie In Place of Late Brother, Paul Walker

    The kid brother to the “Fast & Furious 7” star Paul Walker has been asked to step in for his late brother in the final stages of the movie, according to rumors.  The 25-year-old Cody Walker, bares a close resemblance to his brother Paul (the reason why he was given the offer) but is yet to make his decision whether to accept the offer or not. Various media outlets are reporting that Cody has already agreed to the role.

    Paul Walker died two weeks ago in a car crash while shooting of the movie “Fast & Furious 7” took a break. He was 40-years-old when he died.  This prompted Universal Pictures to stop production of the movie indefinitely. If Cody Walker accepts the supposed offer, it means that the film will eventually be completed. However, it is not known whether the producers are still targeting July 11, 2014 as the release date.

    A source close to the production team said Cody looks like a younger version of his deceased brother. The two have similar hair color and facial characteristics. If Cody agrees, it would help them finish the movie despite Paul’s death. It would also make for a good tribute to the deceased actor.

    Cody, who lives in Oregon, has previously worked in the motion picture industry as a stuntman. Universal Pictures has not made any specific comments about Paul Walker’s possible replacement but say that they are committed to providing support to Walker’s family and the “Fast & Furious” cast.

    http://youtu.be/Iwej3id1EyU

    (image via Wikipedia)

  • Dwayne Johnson Pays Tribute To Friend Paul Walker

    Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, an actor and former wrestler, starred with the late Paul Walker in two films in recent years, Fast Five (2011) and Fast & Furious 6 (2013).

    Johnson says he originally met Walker when both were in their twenties and just getting started in show business. Years later, after both being cast in Fast Five, the two men struck up a friendship. Johnson says the two became close because of long discussions about their daughters. The former wrestling star says that his friend’s first priority in life was his 15-year-old daughter, Meadow Rain Walker, who had recently moved in with her dad. He says Meadow was the first thing that came to his mind when he heard the news of Walker’s passing.

    “Not surprisingly,” Johnson says, “when I got the news that he had passed away, the first words out of my mouth were, ‘He has a daughter.’ It’s very sad. We can’t help but to hope that their final time together was beautiful and strong and an amazing memory.”

    In a tribute to his friend, Johnson told Entertainment Weekly on Monday that the two would talk about their hobbies and interests, but Paul always came back to his family. He related that family was Walker’s first priority and motivation to succeed as an actor.

    In light of his charity work – which is what he was doing the day he died – Walker obviously had a huge heart for people in crisis. Johnson echoed this sentiment in his interview with EW, saying that the actor valued his career because of family, first, but secondly, because it “…allowed him the leverage to help people in need and in crisis.”

    Along with the photo, Johnson posted on Instagram, “Losing a loved one jolts our hearts to the core… It also has a very special way of helping us move forward to live & love as greatly as possible. Hug our loved ones a little tighter. Pray a little stronger. Work a little harder. Smile a little bigger. Life goes on and memories are forever cherished… #PW.”

    Main image courtesy therock via Instagram.

  • Jordana Brewster Is Heartbroken Over Co-Star’s Death

    Jordana Brewster was just as heartbroken as everyone else when her love interest on the Fast and Furious franchise was killed Saturday. Paul Walker was in a tragic car crash that cost him his life, and now Brewster has released a statement about her co-star and friend’s untimely death.

    “Paul was an enormous presence in my life for the past fourteen years,” Brewster said. “While many would be satisfied with material success it made Paul more convinced of the need to help others. He never spoke of his immense generosity or philanthropic endeavors unless I prodded, however. This is what made Paul, Paul.”

    Brewster continued: “He lived with integrity, humanity and humility and seemed most happy when talking about his daughter, Meadow. I don’t know anyone who lived each moment more fully and loved life more than Paul; making his loss all the more heartbreaking.”

    On Sunday she posted a tweet on her personal Twitter account saying: “Paul was pure light. I cannot believe he is gone.”

    Dwayne Johnson, another one of Walker’s co-stars, also spoke out about his friend’s death. “That was one of the interesting things about Paul: his reservations about being in the spotlight and being a star, whatever the definition of that may be,” he said. “He was motivated by work that allowed him to take care of his family, number one, and that also allowed him the power and the leverage to help people in need and in crisis.”

    “It was always the number one topic we would talk about,” Johnson continued. “We would talk about silly guy things, his fast cars and my pickup trucks, or we would talk about the beautiful energy of Hawaii – but it always ultimately came back to family. And very specifically the beautiful and important bond between a father and his daughter, and how we both realized that over the years. Not surprisingly, when I got the news that he had passed away, the first words out of my mouth were, “He has a daughter.” It’s very sad. We can’t help but to hope that their final time together was beautiful and strong and an amazing memory.”

    Johnson also took to Twitter not long after Walker’s death to offer his condolences to Walker’s family.

    [Image via Twitter]

  • Paul Walker Purchased Engagement Ring For Strangers

    Paul Walker’s untimely death shocked fans all over the world. Since the tragic car crash that took his life on Saturday, people have been coming forward to tell the stories of how Walker touched their lives forever. One very touching story comes from Kristen and Kyle Upham.

    Kristen and Kyle were in a jewelry store looking at the engagement rings when Kyle noticed another man in the store. He didn’t immediately recognize him, but while Kristen was browsing through the rings, he struck up a conversation with the stranger.

    “I had returned home from Iraq and we decided to drive up to Santa Barbara for the weekend and we were in a jewelry store, just window shopping and another guy in the store with us. … While she was looking at rings, I started talking to this guy for about 10, maybe 15 minutes,” Kyle said on Wednesday. “When he found out I had just gotten back from Iraq and he was shaking my hand and thanking me for my service and just treating me like a celebrity and then we exchanged names and…” “[We] Found out he was the celebrity,” Kristen said.

    A ring that cost around $10,000 caught Kristen’s eye. Because they were just window shopping, she knew that she couldn’t take the ring home that day, and was hoping to save up enough money to one day come back for it. Kyle and Kristen then left the store to get some lunch, but received a phone call not long after asking them to come back to the store.

    “I didn’t want to go back. I thought it was a trick, I thought they were gonna try to get us, just to put, like finance the ring and I didn’t want to do that either so I almost didn’t go back. He had to convince me to go back to the store,” Kristen said. Despite her reservations about heading back to the store, she went and found a big surprise waiting for her.

    “We both walk in and a girl comes walking from the back holding a bag and she gives it to me and says, ‘Here’s your ring.’ Like, ‘What do you mean, ‘Here’s my ring?’” Kristen said. They were told that an anonymous person had paid for the ring and it was hers to take home. While Walker had asked to remain anonymous, the couple knew that he had to be the one to pay for the ring because he was the only one in the store at the time.

    Irene King, an associate of the jewelry store, recalls Walker’s generosity. “He called the manager and he said, ‘Umm, the ring that those people are looking at – put it on my tab,’” King remembered. “Soon after that, he just left.” King kept the secret for years, but after his death, King wanted to share Walker’s kindness. “To do something like that to a perfect stranger is just unbelievable,” King said.

    [Image via Twitter]

  • Paul Walker Autopsy Reveals Cause of Death

    After much speculation, the cause of actor Paul Walker’s death has finally been determined. Due to the devastating nature of actor Paul Walker’s fatal accident, most would assume that he would have died instantly on impact. However, his autopsy revealed otherwise.

    According to CNN, the ‘Fast and Furious’ actor initially survived the horrible crash only to die ‘moments later’ due to a series of combined injuries. The Los Angeles Coroner’s Office issued a one-page preliminary report, which specified Walker’s immediate cause of death. The coroner’s office listed Walker’s cause of death as “the combined effects of traumatic and thermal injuries.”

    The autopsy also determined that Roger Rodas was, indeed, the driver of the red 2005 Porsche Carrera GT. Rodas’ autopsy concluded that he suffered “multiple tramatic injuries,”  and died on impact during the crash when the vehicle collided with the light standard. The explosion and burning of the high performance vehicle were not listed as acute factors in his death.

    The coroner’s report also confirmed what a number of witnesses stated shortly after the accident. Rodas was the driver of the vehicle at the time of the crash, and Walker was in the passenger seat.

    Toxicology reports for Walker and Rodas will not be available for an estimated six to eight weeks. The Medical Examiner has officially ruled both deaths as accidents.

    The Walker family has also released a statement showing their gratitude for the number of fans around the world who have paid homage to the fallen star.

    “Paul Walker’s family appreciates the outpouring of love and goodwill from his many fans and friends,” the Walker family said in an official statement. “They have asked, in lieu of flowers or other gifts, that donations please be made to Paul’s charity Reach Out Worldwide (ROWW). Donations can easily be made through their website at http://www.ROWW.org/.”

    The family’s request was also posted on Walker’s Twitter timeline.

    (image)

    Image via Facebook| Paul Walker (1)  (2)

  • Wheel Of Fortune Apologizes For Fast & Furious Puzzle

    Wheel of Fortune and the host of the show, Pat Sajak, have issued apologies, via Twitter, for the puzzle that appeared on Monday night’s show with the answer of Fast and Furious. The puzzle aired only two days after Paul Walker’s tragic death, and the show says it was an “unfortunate coincidence” that it would air during the same week.

    Sajak posted a tweet on his official Twitter page saying that he felt terrible about the timing. “Feel terrible about timing of Fast & Furious puzzle tonight,” Sajak wrote. “Taped long ago & went out to 200 local stations days ago.”

    Paul Walker and his friend, Roger Rodas, were killed during a fiery car crash that occurred on Saturday in Santa Clarita, California. His untimely death shocked millions, as did the puzzle on the show.

    Wheel of Fortune also tweeted their apologies and their condolences to Walker’s family on their official Twitter page. “The show that included the puzzle The Fast and The Furious was taped on 10/4/13. It’s an unfortunate coincidence that it aired tonight,” the tweet read. “The hearts of everyone at Wheel of Fortune go out to the family, friends & fans of Paul Walker.”

    Image via Twitter

  • Michelle Rodriguez Speaks Out On Paul Walker’s Death

    Almost all of Paul Walker’s friends and co-stars took to their social media pages to pay tribute to Walker immediately after the tragic car accident that cost him his life on Saturday. However, there was one person that we had yet to hear from…Michelle Rodriguez. Rodriguez broke her silence for the first time since the accident and spoke out about Walker’s death on her official Instagram and Twitter accounts yesterday.

    Rodriquez who played Letty in the popular Fast and Furious movies posted a very touching message to her fallen friend. “I’m gonna carry this torch for you brother, with a forced smile on my face and Im gonna open my heart just cause your telling me to,” the 35-year-old actress wrote.

    Rodriguez has also changed all of her social media accounts profile pictures in support of Walker’s relief organization that he founded called Reach Out World Wide. According to the Reach Out World Wide official website, Walker “saw a gap between the availability of skilled resources and the requirement for such personnel in post-disaster situations. Following the trip he contacted a group of his friends to assist him in forming ROWW with the purpose of filling this unmet need.”

    Just one day before Walker’s death, Rodriguez posted a #FlashbackFriday photo on her official Facebook page with a caption that read: “The Fast & Furious family in 2001… and 2013.” Little did she know that their family would never be complete again.

    Post by Michelle Rodriguez.

    [Image via Twitter]

  • Fast And Furious 7 Delayed But Not Canceled

    After news of Paul Walker’s death hit the web, fans, friends and celebrities all mourned his death. Twitter, Instagram and Facebook were all flooded with tweets, photo shares and status updates about the beloved actor, his life and death. Many people also wondered how his death would affect the Fast and the Furious 7 film.

    Many of the cast members of the film were extremely close to Walker and are having a very hard time dealing with his passing. Rumors that the film would be canceled soon surfaced, but insiders say that the film will only be delayed to allow the actors time to grieve.

    Most of the film was complete, and the actors and crew were taking a break from filming over the Thanksgiving holiday. They were scheduled to resume filming soon. Many of Walker’s costars, including Dwayne Johnson and Vin Diesel have said that they are not looking forward to finishing the film and will have a hard time doing so without Walker.

    Director James Wan and executives from Universal Studios met and discussed the release date of the film and if it would be changed, as well as what rewrites needed to happen in order to work around the loss of Walker’s character.

    Walker was the passenger of a Porsche that crashed and burst into flames. He and the driver both perished in the vehicle. Many of the Fast and Furious cast members visited the site of the crash and paid their respects to Walker. The director has not released information about the Fast and the Furious 7 release date.

    Image from Wikimedia Commons.

  • Paul Walker May Have Been Drag Racing, Police Say

    Paul Walker’s death came as a shock over the holiday weekend, and many who mourned the tragic loss of such a promising young actor wanted answers on Monday. However, as the investigation into his car accident continues, police say it will take quite a while to piece everything together. They have said that they are looking into whether the driver of the Porsche–Roger Rodas–was involved in a drag race when the car crashed into a light pole in Santa Clarita.

    “Naturally, from an investigative standpoint, we need to find out if that is one of the issues,” Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Sgt. Richard Cohen told CNN.

    Walker and Rodas had just left a charity event before the crash, and car enthusiast Jim Torp said he thought he heard a loud bang before the louder sound of the crash, off in the distance.

    “What the first explosion was, I don’t know if their tire blew up, because it sounded like a tire blew on the car,” Torp said.

    Police say they also found wide, looping tracks on the road near the crash site, as if someone had been doing doughnuts there; however, the road is a well-known drag strip and the tracks could have been made by another car. Right now, authorities are looking into whether another car was at the scene as they wait for dental X-rays to help positively identify the remains found in the Porsche.

    Walker’s “Fast And Furious” co-stars have taken to social media to mourn the loss of their friend, and Tyrese Gibson attended a memorial at the crash site on Sunday, where he got choked up talking about his friend. So far, it’s not known what producers will do in order to finish “Fast And Furious 7”, which was still in production.

    Image: Wikimedia Commons

  • ‘Fast and Furious 7’ Production on Hold

    ‘Fast and Furious 7’ Production on Hold

    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.”

    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.

    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.

  • Paul Walker Ironically Dies in Fiery Car Crash at 40

    Actor Paul Walker, star of seven Fast and Furious films, ironically died Saturday afternoon in a car crash near Valencia, California. The 40-year-old actor was a passenger in a Porsche being driven by friend and co-owner of his automotive shop, Always Evolving, Roger Rodas.

    Walker and Rodas, 38, were apparently leaving a car show they’d held Saturday at Always Evolving. Both men organized and participated in many philanthropic organizations, and held car shows nearly once a month to support various charities and organizations. Saturday’s event was being held to raise money for the victims of both the recent typhoon in the Phillipines, as well as a deadly tornado in Indiana.

    Walker’s Twitter account contained an official confirmation of the star’s death, which was originally posted to Facebook.

    Post by Paul Walker.

    The crash occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Hercules Street, not far from Always Evolving, where many supporters were still gathered. Jim Torp, a friend of the two men who was still at the location of the event, told the L.A. Times that he heard a loud boom and knew immediately that his friends had crashed. The smoke from the fiery wreckage could be seen at the automotive store, and several men grabbed fire extinguishers and headed to where they thought the fire was, at the top of a nearby hill. However, once the group reached the top, they realized it was a car on fire, and that it was the Porsche Rodas and Walker had recently left the event in.

    Torp’s 28-year-old son, Brandon, had been with the group who headed to the top of the hill to see if they could extiniguish the fire. Torp says that upon recognizing the vehicle and running over, Brandon Torp saw his two friends burning to death inside the flaming car. A long-time friend of Walker’s, as well as Rodas’ young son, both had to be restrained from delving into the incinerated Porsche in an attempt to reach the victims. Says Torp, “There was nothing they could do.”

    Police are saying that speed may have been a factor in the wreck, and that Hercules Street was known as a quiet area with a speed limit of 45 mph. However, an investigation into the crash is still underway, according to Kim Manatt, an L.A. County sheriff’s Deputy.

    Torp said, “They died doing what they enjoy doing. Two close friends died together right next to a church. They’re both with God.”

    Friends and fans of the two men arrived early Sunday morning in Valencia to leave mementos at a memorial at the crash site.

    “The saddest part,” Torp says, “was watching…Paul Walker’s daughter break down.”

    Walker had recently become active in his daughter’s life, 15-year-old Meadow Rain Walker. Meadow Rain was born to a 25-year-old Paul, and his girlfriend Rebecca McBrain, in 1998; the unmarried couple split up soon after Meadow was born. Walker had recently been enjoying time with his only child, who had grown up with her mother, Rebecca. He recently said that his daughter now wanted “a relationship with her Pops, which is cool.”

    Walker first rose to fame in 1998 after appearing the film, Pleasantville. At an event in 2011, the actor said, “I thought I’d make one movie, pay off my loans, and go back and finish school. [But] it never stopped.” He went on to star in The Skulls in 1999. Director Rob Cohen says that Paul told him during filming that he wanted to be in a movie where he raced cars. Cohen directed the first Fast and Furious film in 2001, and cast Walker as hero Brian O’Connor.

    L.A. County coroner’s investigator, Dana Bee, says that autopsies have not yet been scheduled, and official identification will have to come from dental records, as the bodies are so badly burned.

    Main image courtesy @RealPaulWalker via Twitter.

  • Paul Walker, ‘Fast & Furious’ Actor Dead at 40

    Paul Walker, the actor made famous by the Fast and Furious empire, has died at the young age of 40. Walker was driving in Santa Clarita, California when his Porsche was involved in a single-car accident that is being referred to as “fiery.” Many of the details surrounding the accident and Walker’s death are still unclear. Law enforcement is still at the scene of the crash, trying to determine what caused the driver to lose control. TMZ is reporting that Walker and a passenger were driving when their vehicle struck either a tree or a pole, before “bursting into flames.”

    He was in town to attend a car show for a charity event on Saturday. Sources close to the actor reported to Variety that Walker had recently purchased a new Porsche, and was often taking joyrides with friends. However, it was later reported by CNN that Walker was a passenger in a friend’s red Porsche.

    An official confirmation of the fatalities’ named in the crash has now been made that both passengers in the vehicle were killed, and that one of them was Paul Walker. The crash apparently occurred in the late afternoon on Saturday, November 30.

    Walker was set to star in the seventh Fast and Furious film, as Brian O’Connor. The film was due in theaters in 2014.

    The actor leaves behind one daughter, Meadow, who is 15.

    Main image courtesy HQFootball via YouTube.

  • ATF: Man Can’t Publish Book About Our Screw-Ups

    In 2012, former-ATF-agent-turned-whistleblower John Dodson revealed that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms was supplying guns to the Mexican drug cartels via a “gunwalking” sting called Operation: Fast and Furious. Now, Fox News has reported that John Dodson’s book is being blocked by the ATF under the justification that it will have bad effects on agent morale.

    Agent Dodson first attempted to stop the operation in 2010 from inside the ATF, but failed. When ATF agent Brian Terry was gunned down using weapons sold in the ATF sting, a media storm ensued that caused General Eric Holder to be held in contempt of Congress over decisions regarding documents about Operation: Fast and Furious, and the family of Brian Terry would file suit against those they believed responsible.

    Dodson’s efforts, meanwhile, continued: having affiliated himself with publisher Simon & Schuster, Dodson submitted a manuscript for his book The Unarmed Truth to the ATF’s Ethics department for review. The book, which represents the first insider’s story of how the U.S. government sold 2000 guns to Mexican cartels, was denied review altogether.

    An ethics official with the ATF, Greg Serres, said that they can deny Dodson’s request for any reason, specifically that “this would have a negative impact on morale and would have a detrimental effect on our relationships with DEA and FBI [agents].”

    The ATF’s outside work policies state that employees can’t make outside money as a speaker or writer without permission, but the ACLU argues that the policies are too restrictive.

    The ACLU attorney who represents Dodson, Lee Rowland, has said that the ATF’s policy “grants supervisors the discretion to censor critical speech simply because it annoys the supervisor or embarasses the ATF.”

    “Given the national importance of both the Fast and Furious operation and ATF practices more broadly, ATF faces an extremely high burden in demonstrating that its interests outweigh Agent Dodson’s right to speak — and the public’s right to hear — his views about Operation Fast and Furious,” she added.

    Meanwhile, the family of Brian Terry has released a statement through the Brian Terry Foundation in which they express solidarity with John Dodson.

    “Do we really need to remind ATF leadership that the men that killed Brian Terry were carrying weapons supplied to them by ATF during Operation Fast and Furious, an investigation that both President Obama and Attorney General Holder have publicly called ill-conceived?” Ralph Terry, the foundation’s president, said.

    [Image via this CBSNews YouTube report]

  • Deepika Padukone: Can’t Commit to Fast and Furious 7

    Deepika Padukone is passing on Fast and Furious 7 due to previous commitments. This would have been the Indian star’s Hollywood debut but she was scheduled to shoot Happy New Year with Shah Rukh Khan and will be out promoting Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Ramleela. Padukone is seen here in the Ramleela trailer and press for the film that is scheduled for release at the end of November. Fast and Furious needed her attention starting 10 September.

    Padukone’s official spokesperson says the star is a big fan of the Fast and Furious franchise and is disappointed she won’t be able to participate. According to DNA India, fellow Indian actresses Kangana Ranaut and Chitrangada Singh had tested for the role but been overshadowed by Padukone.

    (image)

    A rumored budding romance with Ramleela co-star Ranveer Singh is taking South Asian press by storm. Ranveer recently dropped in on “Deepy” who is currently shooting Happy New Year in Dubai, apparently after her father had ended his Dubai visit. Singh says of his co-star, “I am not dating her. Bhansali (the director) wanted us to develop a comfort level, as the film we were doing is a passionate and intense love story. And while working on it, I grew fond of her.” When questioned about PDA between the two at a Dubai nightclub, Singh passed it off as a family trait to be physically affectionate, “it is a very casual thing… I enjoy her company thoroughly. We do what normal youngsters do.”

    Happy New Year co-stars Padukone and Shah Rukh Khan are longtime colleagues, with box office sensations Om Shanti Om (2007)—Padukone’s debut—and Chennai Express (2013), which is currently the highest grossing Bollywood film, worldwide. The film’s stars are also scheduling a live song-dance show in Dubai’s International Cricket Stadium. Access All Areas, promises to be an interactive experience for audiences and is slated for 1 December.

    [Image via Style Me India. Video via YouTube.]