Just stopping short of Tupac-like holographics, in March it was reported that CGI and digital effect trickery would be employed to complete “Fast & Furious 7.” Series star Paul Walker passed away late last year, sending the production into a tailspin.
The studio initially shut down production and contemplated starting the movie over from scratch, but eventually the decision was made to push back the release date and keep Walker’s character in the movie by using the existing footage he had shot. How are they going to finish scenes that were never completed? According to the Fast & Furious Facebook, Walker’s brothers Caleb and Cody have joined the production to help complete the movie. Here’s the studio’s statement:
The FAST & FURIOUS saga is about family. The characters are connected by the bond of family, and it is how all of us who have worked together for more than thirteen years feel about each other. It certainly defines how we feel about our fans.
Our family experienced an unthinkable shock in November. We had to take time to grieve Paul, the brother we love and lost, and to figure out if we should move on with our film.
We came together and all felt the only choice was to continue. We believe our fans want that, and we believe Paul would want that too. Paul had already shot his dramatic scenes and most of his action for FAST & FURIOUS 7, and it’s among the strongest work of his career.
We have resumed shooting and now welcome Paul’s brothers, Caleb and Cody, into our FAST family. Caleb and Cody are helping us complete some remaining action for their brother and fill in small gaps left in production. Having them on set has made us all feel that Paul is with us too.
We are just under a year away from the release of FAST & FURIOUS 7, and this film is the most important we’ve ever done together. It will allow the character of Brian O’Conner to live on and let us celebrate Paul in his most defining role.
We wanted to take a moment to speak to our fans directly and thank you for the love and support you always show us as we resume our work.
What does this really mean? Well, they’ll still use CGI and digital trickery, but they’ll likely be grafting the VFX (presumably shots of Paul Walker’s head, weird) onto the bodies of his brothers. Because that will make the VFX’ing more… authentic? The whole thing, the FB page, selling this as a win, is kind of strange to be honest. Thoughts? Does this make the endeavor any more palatable to you?
“Fast & Furious 7” roars into theaters on April 10, 2015. It’s directed by James Wan and stars Walker, Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Tyrese Gibson, Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, Sung Kang, Kurt Russell, Jason Statham, Djimon Hounsou, Ronda Rousey and Lucas Black. [Via Rope of Silicon]