Forty-year-old Paul Walker plays one of the main characters, Brian O’Connor, in the popular “Fast and Furious” films. There are two more “Fast and Furious” films set to be released in the coming years, with the strong possibility of more after that. The seventh film, set for release in July of 2014, has been filming since September. However, a tragic turn of events that took place on Saturday now leave the film franchise at a loss.
On Saturday afternoon, Paul Walker was a passenger in Roger Rodas’ Porsche. Police say Rodas lost control of the vehicle and it hit a tree and light pole, and then burst into flames. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene. Walker’s publicist later made the official announcement of her client’s death. Family, friends, and fans of Walker immediately took to social media outlets to express their sorrow.
There are many wild stories going around about Walker’s death. Some are saying it’s a little too coincidental that Walker died in fiery car crash, something straight out of a “Fast and Furious” movie. This is easily explained, since Walker shared a similar love of cars as his character in the movies does. Others are saying that since the car was burned so beyond recognition, an additional accelerant must have been used, which suggests foul play. Police have yet to release any new details.
Since Walker’s death, Universal has been desperately trying to figure out how to handle his death, both emotionally and when it comes to the seventh movie. Characters are killed off all the time in movies, but Walker’s character was a main one. Plus, most deaths in the films are usually portrayed exactly how Walker died in real life. Universal is trying to do the most tactful thing possible, although we don’t know what that is just yet.