The filmmakers behind Fast & Furious 7 wrapped principal photography today and have a message for the fans...
Fast & Furious 7 wrapped production today after an emotional, and painful year for both the folks who make the Fast and the Furious movies, and the fans who treasure them. But as director James Wan wrapped the final shot for the newest entry in the street racing franchise that began fourteen years ago during the making of the original film, it was a time for all involved to celebrate and reflect. Below is an open letter the team behind Fast & Furious 7 has left for its fans via the movie’s Facebook page.
Today we completed the last shot in the production of FAST & FURIOUS 7.
We wanted to take this moment to express how thankful we are for your support. We felt the love and strength from our fans throughout this journey, and it’s because of you that we got here.
There was a time when we didn’t know how we could go on, or even if we should. But we listened to you, and you inspired us not only to keep going but to try and make the best FAST & FURIOUS movie yet.
Our FAST family has been together for almost fifteen years now and has grown a lot in that time. From the start, Vin has been our leader who feels what’s right for FAST in his gut and in his heart. When we had to stop production last year, Vin gathered us back together and moved us forward when we needed it most. He led us to this day.
Some of us have been here from the very beginning. Vin, Michelle, Jordana and our producer Neal all go back to that first little movie we shot on the streets of LA. We came back to LA in FAST 7, and it was an especially emotional homecoming for those who’ve grown up with each other since that first shoot.
There are those we count as brothers who we gathered along the way and are with us again: Dwayne, Tyrese, Luda, Lucas and our writer, Chris. We’ve got some new additions this time in Jason, Kurt, Djimon, Nathalie and our director, James. Caleb and Cody joined us to honor their brother and help complete his work.
Our family is big and strong but it won’t ever quite be whole again without Paul.
All of us -- those who’ve been here from the start and those whose first FAST film is 7 -- wanted to create a special film for him and for you. We believe we have.
Thank you for being there for us. You are the biggest part of our family, and we couldn’t have gotten here without you.The countdown to April 3 begins.
With love,
Your FAST & FURIOUS Family
The above picture was also included in the release.
Fast & Furious 7 is the carefully calibrated sequel to the increasingly popular global franchise that has made tracks around the world. It also marks the first film in the series directed by Conjuring and Insidious helmer James Wan. He is taking over for Justin Lin who has directed all the installments since Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006), taking the franchise to its current blockbuster status.
It also sadly marks the final picture of star Paul Walker’s career. One half of the one-two punch that is Vin Diesel and Mr. Walker, the actor died in a car collision in November 2013.
Prior to his death, Walker participated with director James Wan and the rest of the cast and crew in completing about half of the scenes for Fast & Furious 7, which purportedly was originally to be heavily focused on Brian O’Conner’s character. Over the course of December, Wan and writers Chris Morgan, and Jeffrey Kirschenbaum poured over footage in an attempt to find a way to use some of his scenes.
The result has led to reshoots that understandably delayed the film from its original July 11, 2014 release date until April 3, 2015. As a tribute to Walker, brothers Caleb Walker and Cody Walker are also set to appear in Fast & Furious 7.
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