“Furious 7” Stars Remember Paul Walker at World Premiere in L.A.
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Universal(LOS ANGELES) — The cast of Furious 7 attended Wednesday night’s world premiere of the action sequel in Los Angeles, but one person’s absence was on the minds of the stars — the late Paul Walker. Dwayne Johnson said they were there to celebrate the fans of the franchise and the movie, but more importantly to celebrate Walker’s life.
Furious 7 features the last onscreen appearance of Walker, who died in a car crash in November 2013 while the movie was still filming. The film was originally scheduled for release last July, but production was delayed for several months following Walker’s death.
One of the film’s stars, Ludacris, said on the red carpet that the movie “almost didn’t see the light of day” after Walker died.
“So this night it means everything to me right now,” the rapper and actor shared. “There’s a void that needs to be filled. It’s bittersweet but this movie is paying homage to Paul and I’m glad we were able to finish it in his honor.”
Tyrese Gibson described Walker as “our motivation to finish.”
Walker’s brothers, Caleb and Cody Walker, were stand-ins for their late sibling in several scenes.
Walker even inspired co-star Vin Diesel to name his newborn daughter after the late star. “Paul Walker was the one that told me to cut the umbilical cord,” Diesel shared. “As I was cutting the umbilical cord two weeks ago, I couldn’t stop but think of him; of Paul and his advice. And when it came time to write down the name, Pauline just came out.”
Diesel has already hinted there may be an eighth film in the Fast and Furious franchise.
Furious 7 races into theaters Friday.
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