When Paul Walker was tragically killed in a car accident November 2013, Universal pictures quickly put Fast and Furious 7's production on hold to refocus and regroup. According to the latest gossip news updates, although sequel cast member Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson may be leaving the franchise, the WWE wrestler in convinced they did the right thing in promptly carrying on with the film in the most respectful way possible. Now that the somber shoot is finally over, however, the movie studio is promoting Walker's last film with Vin Diesel with an over-the-top media blitz. In addition to the new trailer they recently released, Universal is planning to drop seven new high-profile singles -- complete with music videos -- before the movie's April 3 debut date.
When he first heard the news of Paul Walker's death while driving home in his car, WWE superstar and Hollywood actor, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was so overcome with emotion that he had to pull off the highway to let himself weep.
During a recent interview, Johnson revealed that after taking a little time away to grieve, everyone quickly came to the same conclusion -- that it was time to get back to work (via Mid-Day):
"It was one of the most difficult things we had all gone through. It affected the movie in that it completely shut it down, which was the right and appropriate thing to do.
"You're left with, 'What do we do next? What's the most appropriate step? What's the most respectful step?'
"We did what I feel was the best thing, which was create a little bit of space, make a little bit of time and regroup, pull our wagons back and then move forward with how we're going to make the best movie possible, with the intention of respecting Paul and his legacy."
Despite the fact the Paul Walker's fans aren going to need little priming to turn out in force to watch the final Fast film to feature iconic character, Brian O'Conner, Universal isn't holding back on promoting the movie with all sorts of new shticks and gimmicks.
This time around, the new Fast and Furious flick will be accompanied by a soundtrack featuring several new songs recorded just for the movie and ultimately intended for major radio play.
Atlantic Records president of film and TV, Kevin Weaver, explained to Billboard that they didn't see why they should continue to limit themselves to just one hit song per movie any longer:
"This franchise has a record for rolling out records, but instead of one new song we saw an opportunity to do five, six, seven new ones with real videos in front of the movie.
"We're expecting a massive opening weekend that will have an impact at radio."
No doubt, Paul will be smiling down on all those record sales from heaven.
