Universal Studios' biggest franchise of all time, Fast and Furious, will be releasing a ninth movie preceding its famous list of film series. According to TMZ, shooting started in September 2013 but had to be stopped due to the tragic death of one of the movie's main actor, Paul Walker. Here are a few highlights to look forward to in Fast and Furious 7.
1. Paul Walker's Scenes
The accident involved a Porsche Carrera GT crashing into a tree killing Walker and his friend Roger Rodas, who was also the driver of the vehicle. Walker organized a car show / charity event at Santa Clarita, Los Angeles to raise funds for the survivors of typhoon Haiyan that destroyed various regions of the Philippines and this is where the said accident occurred. Despite the shock of Walker's death, he already had filmed most of his dramatic and action scenes for the film. His brothers, Caleb and Cody, have chosen to stand in as Walker's body doubles.
2. A new director
Fans should expect a different Fast and Furious because according to THR, James Wan has taken over Justin Lin's director chair. Wan has been known worldwide for bringing us horror gems such as The Conjuring and Insidious so he is definitely a unique choice for directing the film. Lin also approves this by stating "It's time for me to move on to other things and I'm thrilled that Universal and Neal have selected James Wan to lead the franchise into its new chapter."
3. Additional cast members
Aside from a new director, Fast and Furious 7 will also feature new yet familiar faces onscreen. Mixed martial artists Tony Jaa and Ronda Rousey will be joining the cast; this will be Jaa's Hollywood debut. Portraying an unknown character, Golden Globe nominee Kurt Russell has been signed to showcase his talents and whose storyline will progress to until the eighth film. Cinamablend reports household names like Aussie rapper Iggy Azalea and Oscar nominee Djimon Hounsou will also provide their acting chops proving why the Fast and Furious franchise is always full of surprises.
4. The villain
Accompanying Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and Tyrese Gibson will be Jason Statham who will be playing villain, Ian Shaw. Statham was last seen in the end credits of Fast & Furious 6. Shaw (Statham) is infuriated with the fact that Dominic (played by Diesel) and his allies murder his sibling, Owen Shaw. Audiences should expect F&F 7 to have a main focus of revenge in their plot.
5. One more movie, please
Although there is no proof confirming another sequel, Screenrant talks with Kurt Russell who will be introduced in F&F 7 stating that his character continues onto the next film, giving hope to audiences that their might just be a Fast and Furious 8 in the works.
Hardcore fans worldwide should fill in their tanks and put their seatbelts on as Fast and Furious 7 drives into theatres on April 3, 2015.
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