The death of Paul Walker, who was best known for his role of Brian O'Connor in the "Fast & Furious" franchise, has left many questioning the fate of the action films.
Walker, 40, died in a car crash on Saturday, Nov. 30, after the driver Roger Rodas lost control of the vehicle and hit a tree. Cast and production members were shocked to hear the news of Walker's death.
"All of us at Universal are heartbroken," a studio spokesperson said in a statement. "Paul was truly one of the most beloved and respected members of our studio family for 14 years, and this loss is devastating to us, to everyone involved with the Fast and Furious films, and to countless fans. We send our deepest and most sincere condolences to Paul's family."
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Universal Studios held a meeting on Sunday to discuss the future of the franchise. Sources told the enterntainment site the movie would not be "abandoned entirely."
"Director James Wan and Universal executives held a conference call Sunday morning to discuss the state of the film, whether rewrites would be necessary and how to proceed in a manner that would be respectful to Walker's death," THR reported.
"Fast & Furious 7" was filming in Atlanta before Walker's deadly accident. He had returned to California while the production was on a hiatus for Thanksgiving. The upcoming movie was set to be release July 11, 2014.
Cast members took to social media to pay their respects for Walker. Walker's co-star Vin Diesel posted a photo of them together on his official Instagram account.
"Brother I will miss you very much. I am absolutely speechless. Heaven has gained a new Angel. Rest in Peace," Diesel wrote in the caption.
Fellow cast member Tyrese Gibson also wrote a message in honor of walker on his official Facebook account.
"I will keep your energy with me forever #AshesOfAnAngel fast family around the world we love you and we love you Paul is the heartbeat of this franchise and were gonna see to it that his energy and presence lives on forever #myhearthurtssobad," Gibson posted.
