Two brothers of the late Paul Walker have joined the cast of Fast and Furious 7 to help filmmakers complete unfinished action scenes for the movie.
Universal Pictures halted production of the film earlier out of respect for Walker, who died in a car crash at age 40 on Nov. 30. But a long note to fans on the film’s Facebook page on Tuesday revealed that filming had resumed — with help from Walker’s siblings, Caleb and Cody.
“Paul had already shot his dramatic scenes and most of his action for Fast and Furious 7, and it’s among the strongest work of his career,” the post reads. “We have resumed shooting and now welcome Paul’s brothers, Caleb and Cody, into our Fast and Furious family.
“Our family experienced an unthinkable shock in November. We had to take time to grieve Paul, the brother we love and lost, and to figure out if we should move on with our film.”
Having his brothers fill in for Walker will help make that possible.
“It will allow the character of Brian O’Conner to live on and let us celebrate Paul in his most defining role,” the post reads.
“Caleb and Cody are helping us complete some remaining action for their brother, and fill in small gaps left in production. Having them on set has made us all feel that Paul is with us too.”
“This film is the most important we’ve ever done together,” the Facebook post continues. “It will allow the character of Brian O’Conner to live on and let us celebrate Paul in his most defining role.”
Walker played undercover agent Brian O’Conner in the Fast and Furious films, which have earned $2.3 billion worldwide since 2001. Fast and Furious 7 is scheduled to hit theaters on April 10, 2015. It was slated to debut in July before producers changed the date following Walker’s death.