The Vin Diesel-driven franchise Fast & Furious 6 is a fine example of how Chinese audiences will still go to see a movie even weeks after it has opened elsewhere, as the whole experience of going to the theater has become part of China's social fabric. Chinese viewers may have seen the movie on pirate DVD or downloaded already, as it opened months after its U.S. premiere, but they were also happy to watch again for that theater buzz. The country's burgeoning car culture has also helped make the franchise a sure hit.
As Universal’s Fast & Furious 7 continues production after Paul Walker‘s death, Vin Diesel is a fan of Caleb and Cody Walker.
PHOTOS: Paul Walker’s Career in Pictures
The car-racing film has enlisted the help of Paul Walker’s brothers to finish the scenes that were not completed before the actor’s tragic death in November. Diesel posted a photo to Facebook on Monday of himself on set with Caleb and Cody, with a note for their parents: “After spending time with his biological brothers, I must say to the parents, you raised some great kids.”
Walker, the oldest of five siblings, had shot most of his dramatic work before he was killed in a fiery car crash in Valencia, Calif., over the Thanksgiving break.
Diesel’s note also included his reaction to the news of his co-star’s death. “When I heard the news, I left the production, grabbed a plane and took my family and Michelle back to LA… drove directly to his parent’s house… His Father said, Paul loved you Vin… I awkwardly and nervously said, aw come on… then he said… you don’t have to get along every second to love each other… so true.”
After the accident, Universal put production of the film on hold for several months. After director James Wan, writer Chris Morgan and Universal pored over existing footage and tweaked the script, production resumed in April, with the two brothers on set.
PHOTOS: Actors Who Died During Filming
“We came together and all felt the only choice was to continue. We believe our fans want that, and we believe Paul would want that too,” said the initial statement released last week. “Having [Paul’s brothers] on set has made us all feel that Paul is with us too.”
Email: Ashley.Lee@THR.com
Twitter: @cashleelee
