Studio Optimistic Fast & Furious Franchise Will Continue Without Paul Walker, But for How Long?

During an executive roundtable with The Hollywood Reporter, Universal Pictures share their vision for the future

By Mike Vulpo Nov 16, 2014 2:26 AMTags
Furious 7, Tyrese Gibson, Michelle Rodriguez, Paul Walker, Chris Ludacris BridgesScott Garfield/Universal Pictures

There's a lot more gas in the Fast & Furious franchise than you may have expected!

As anticipation continues for Paul Walker's final scenes in Fast & Furious 7, executives from Universal Pictures are confident the series will be able to survive and thrive without the beloved actor.

"I believe it does. We think there's at least three more [movies]," Universal Pictures chairperson Donna Langley told The Hollywood Reporter. "I think it's still a growing franchise."

She added, "We'll see what happens with Furious 7, obviously, but our box office has grown over the past three or four films and internationally, in particular. So we think that there's more to mine there. But we're of course very mindful about fatigue."

Earlier this month, E! Online released the first official trailer for Furious 7. Hitting theatres on April 3, 2015, the highly anticipated movie features some of the last acting scenes Walker filmed before his tragic passing. 

As he reprises his role as Brian O'Connor one last time, the studio is aware that focus will have to shift to other characters in hopes of prolonging the story.

"Paul is, and always will be, an integral part of the story," Langley explained. "But there are many other great characters, and it's also an opportunity to introduce new characters."

That mindset is evident in the upcoming installment. While Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Ludacris, Vin Diesel and other faves will be returning, Kurt Russell will make his debut in the film's seventh film.

In the meantime, stars like Jordana Brewster are excited for fans to see plenty of action, thrills and of course, Mr. Walker.

"I think the beautiful thing is that they get to see Paul again…and in a way celebrate him," the brunette beauty shared with E! News. "I've heard he's really really good in it, so I look forward to seeing him too. Obviously it will be bittersweet, but I think it's a way for fans to revisit him." 

(E! Online and Universal Pictures are party of the NBCUniversal family)