After setting a historic April opening for Universal, it is now apparent to the world that Paul Walker's character isn't killed, retired, hospitalized or otherwise sidelined in the new Fast and Furious 7. While some might presume that might mean we're are going to see just as much of Brian O'Conner in the next three sequels, Paul's little brother and CGI stand-in, Cody Walker, recently explained that he is happy to be through with the project for good, though he very much enjoys the new movie that's been dedicated to Paul's memory. According to the latest gossip news updates, Vin Diesel is doubling down on his demands that the film take home the 2015 Best Picture Oscar -- insisting that the Academy reputation and relevance are equally at stake if they don't.
After the tragic death of Paul Walker in a car accident late November 2013, Universal supposedly went into a panic looking for acceptable body doubles to finish the film, eventually landing on Walker's own brothers, Caleb and Cody.
Although Walker's character manages to get through the entire movie without suffering so much as a nose bleed, Cody certainly didn't sound like he was game for coming back to play his brother in the future films (via Perez Hilton):
"I'm happy it's over.
"t's bittersweet...It was something that so many people put their heart and soul into and now everyone can see it.
"It was a good way to close the chapter."
That being said -- Cody still feels that the new film lives up the franchise's legacy in every way -- surpassing all predecessors in action packed pay-offs:
"I loved it!...It's a Fast movie -- that's what people want to see!
"They had to out-do the sixth movie."
Set to pull in just under $400 million worldwide this weekend alone, Vin Diesel has no problem insisting that not only is Furious 7 the best movie in the history of franchise, it's the best in the history of film.
Despite acknowledging that the James Wan directed masterpiece isn't exactly the kind of movie that the Academy usually even considers for a Best Picture nomination, Diesel told Variety that it would practically be negligent if Furious 7 didn't take home the top prize in 2015 (via Forbes):
"Universal is going to have the biggest movie in history with this movie.
"It will probably win best picture at the Oscars, unless the Oscars don't want to be relevant ever."
According to Riddick, the last couple of movies were also contenders that were clearly ignored because they were sequels, but the latest film is just too fast and furious to be denied:
"The head of the studio, Ron Meyer, often said when Fast 5 or Fast 6 came out, 'If there was no number attached to these movies, they would be contenders for best picture.'
"And when people see Furious 7, they are going to agree."
You hear that Birdman? You better thank your lucky stars Furious 7 didn't get released last May like originally planned.
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