April 3, 2015 – the seventh Fast & Furious film came out, Furious 7. Although the movies are very well known and highly anticipated due to their action and adventure filled drama, incredible stunts, and car action, the movies were brought new attention last year when main character Paul Walker, otherwise known as Brian O’Conner, passed away tragically in an auto accident. The film ultimately became a tribute to the late actor, bringing back emotional memories and feedback from fans and movie critics.
Walker, known for his work in the entire Fast & Furious franchise (currently), Eight Below, and Pleasantville, was killed November 30, 2013 in a wreck, although not related but during, the filming of the seventh movie.
His coworkers were the first ones to show up at the scene of his death in Glendale, California. Vin Diesel, another main character in the movies, was extremely taken aback by the death of Walker and sang for the movie star at the MTV movie awards. Diesel and the cast of Fast and Furious also made some good come from the death of a friend by advertising safe driving.
In the final scene of the movie, Diesel drives his car next to Walker’s, which was in the first car he had ever raced on set. Walker’s character had been digitally modified in the film to resemble himself, since a majority of the scenes were filmed after the tragedy. His brothers had stepped into his role to help finish the movie. As the scene continues, both cars veer into different directions as Vin Diesel begins a touching monologue about family and brotherhood.
All over twitter, tumblr, instagram, and other social media, the scene was shared and respected by a majority of the movies’ viewers. “(The directors) really showed how close (Walker) and Vin Diesel were to the point where they considered each other family. That really left the viewer with a happy ending and a great remembrance of his legacy,” Ryan Kelzer (10), said.
The final scene was a final goodbye to an award winning actor in the most respectable way possible. An eight Fast & Furious movie will be released in the near future and Brian O’Conner’s character will be retired from the films.
By Megan Arnold