Although I've been quite clear I am not a Fast & Furious lover, I have to say that it seems the whole franchise needs Paul Walker's character to move it along. And since his untimely passing last November, I thought that the whole series of pictures would be done after the seventh installment.
Turns out I was wrong.
In a sit down with major Hollywood studio executives, The Hollywood Reporter asked the golden question below:
Speaking of franchises, Furious 7 will be the last one with Paul Walker, sadly. Does the series stand without him?
LANGLEY I believe it does. We think there's at least three more. Paul is, and always will be, an integral part of the story. But there are many other great characters, and it's also an opportunity to introduce new characters. I think it's still a growing franchise. We'll see what happens with Furious 7, obviously, but our box office has grown over the past three or four films and internationally, in particular. So we think that there's more to mine there. But we're of course very mindful about fatigue.
Now this is where language is critical. While this is a trained executive speaking on the record saying "we think there's at least three more," let me translate that for you into reality. Although the exec says there's the possibility of at least three more, the competitive pressures on Hollywood are significant. Hell, breaking even is considered a success these days. I'd take this as the studio will find funding for a Fast & Furious 8 but if the box office doesn't turn out good numbers, you can kiss those other two goodbye.
I could be wrong, again. Hollywood seems to be having trouble producing cash cow franchises that can move merchandise unless they're animated features. Why wouldn't the studio put its neck on the line to move some more product in a desperate attempt to bring in some green?
That said, would the Fast & Furious be the same for YOU without Walker's character?
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