Universal has temporarily stopped production of car-racing movie "Fast and the Furious 7" in response to the death of actor Paul Walker, who died in a car crash on Saturday. Walker, 40, was the sole passenger in a limited edition Porsche, driven by the CEO of Walker's company Always Evolving, Roger Rodas.
Film production will be halted until Monday or Tuesday, reports THR, but Universal has not commented yet on the future of the film. "Fast and the Furious 7" is currently expected in theaters in July 11.
The actor's sudden death has left the crew "heartbroken," according to a studio spokesperson. "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."
Beyond his family at Universal, Wu-Tang Clan rapper RZA, who met on Walker on the set of "Brick Mansion, has also offered his condolences in the form of a tribute track. RZA came to see Walker as a "kindred spirit of men coming from unlikely circumstances, and rising to be the light and beacon of our family and loved ones," and has released has released a demo version of a song called "Destiny Bends."
In addition to being a car enthusiast, Walker passionate about marine biology and humanitarian work. In 2010, he starred in the National Geographic series, "Expedition Great White," and also flew to Haiti to help with relief work via Reach Out Worldwide, an aid group he started with the help of Rodas.
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