"Furious 7" topped "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" as the fourth highest grossing film worldwide, gaining about $1.429 billion. Before the 2017 release of "Fast and Furious 8," replacement of Paul Walker's character as well as film setting was hinted.
"Furious 7" is the fourth highest grossing film of all time
It's now four weeks already since its first release and "Furious 7" exceeded "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" as the fourth highest grossing film "of all time worldwide." The global box office gross of "Furious 7" topped the "Harry Potter" film about $1.429 billion, which is a bit above the $1.342 billion earnings of "Deathly Hallows: Part 2" during its show in theaters.
In U.S. theaters, "Furious 7" had $300 million box office gross, and analysts are reportedly estimating that the sequel is going to top $350 million before it approaches to a close. If this happens, the film would put its "box office take at second for the year behind 'American Sniper'."
"Fast and Furious 8" Paul Walker replacement and plot
Actor and producer Vin Diesel recently confirmed that "Fast and Furious" will return for its next sequel. He reportedly gave the information at Las Vegas CinemaCon. He also hinted that "Fast and Furious 8" would be set in New York City.
Jordana Brewster also spoke about the possibility of her character to return in "Furious 8." She said that "it's always dependent on the fans. If they want one and if there's an appetite for it. We never want to jump the shark."
Recently, rumors surfaced about who would be replacing Paul Walker in "Furious 8," and it included Kurt Russell, Cody Walker, Gal Gadot, and Sung Kang.
Kurt Russell's character was perceived to be a "mix of humor and James-bond like" and it was confirmed that he will be coming back in "Fast and Furious 8." However, Russell is "no Paul Walker and if Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is indeed out of the mix, he will most likely be better off filling that slack," a report said.
Cody Walker did appear in some scenes in "Furious 7," but including him in the sequel may reportedly need some "getting used to."
The idea of Gal Gadot and Sung Kang replacing Paul was considered to be "another wild idea" since the two was generally assumed to be dead members of Vin Diesel's crew. However, there could be a possible twist of plot that would show that these two are alive. Example is Letty Ortiz (Michelle Rodriguez).
On top of these rumors, the option of retiring Paul Walker's character was also considered. But this would include "shelving" of Jordana Brewster's character.
Nonetheless, everything about rumors should be taken with a grain of salt.
"Fast and Furious 8" is slated to hit theaters on April 14, 2017.
Who do you think would replace Paul Walker? Let us know be sending in your comments.
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