Saturday, 25 January 2014
Fans, friends and family are all undoubtedly still getting over the tragic death of Paul Walker after the star was killed in a car crash late in 2013. Universal, the studio behind the 'Fast and Furious' franchise is still busily looking for a way to give his character Brian a send off that he deserves in 'Fast and Furious 7'.
There were reports that writer Chris Morgan and Universal had agreed that Brian would retire at some point in 'Fast and Furious 7' leaving the franchise open to continue without him in future instalments. However this has been denied with Morgan arguing that the debate about how to write Brian out of the series is still very much alive. So how should 'Fast and Furious 7' write Paul Walker's character out of the franchise?
Retirement
The idea of Brian retiring has been floated and does in many ways make a lot of sense. Brian has a baby and a wife to look after now and Dom was never that keen on him coming on any more fast car adventures in 'Fast and Furious 6'. However fans may also argue that the bond between Brian and Dom and the rest of the Fast family would be far too strong. If there was a threat to one, there is a threat to all and Brian would be unlikely to ever leave his buddies in danger. Brian could even be placed in the Witness Protection Program with his family if things get really serious when Jason Statham's new bad guy comes knocking. With Walker being a dedicated family man himself, it is tempting to think he may have voted for this end if he was alive to do so. The concern many fans have is that this would not be the heroic way to go that they would hope for from Brian. The other big worry is that this might require emotive scenes that have not been shot and how they would replace Walker would be a complex issue.
Death
The other main option is that Brian dies in 'Fast and Furious 7'. This might actually be less tricky than having Walker digitally appear in scenes with lots of dialogue that explain him retiring. This would also provide serious and definite closure for the character and the fans but could throw up major sensitivity issues. Will Walker's family take kindly to seeing their beloved father/brother/son killed off on the big screen in his final role? The fans will certainly get what they want as the only real reason for Brian to not turn up in any future films in the franchise would be that he is dead. This also has the potential to give him a properly heroic send off. Brian sacrificing himself for his family or for Dom would be the kind of thing that will get fans cheering, even as they blub into their popcorn.
Reality
The decision may also come down to what is realistically possible. Walker had shot many scenes for the film but there would have been nothing shot that would suggest his retirement or death. Universal and director James Wan will have to figure out what they can use of Walker and what they will still need to get and how it will be possible. Most people will not want to see Brian killed off in any way that resembles the reality of Walker's death but if the franchise is to continue then Brian must be written out respectfully and convincingly. Death seems like the best option and I'm sure all fans will agree that they want Brian to die a hero. Over to you Chris Morgan...
What do you think should happen to Paul Walker in Fast and Furious 7?
