Latest news with #FuelFest
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Vin Diesel Says Paul Walker's Character May Return for ‘Fast & Furious' Finale, Having Dom and Brian Reunite
Dominic Toretto and Brian O'Conner will, indeed, see each other again. Fast & Furious franchise star Vin Diesel (who plays 'Dom' Toretto) attended Paul Walker's (who played O'Conner) brother Cody Walker's automotive festival, Fuel Fest, and gave updates on what fans can expect for the 11th Fast film. More from The Hollywood Reporter BoyNextDoor on 'No Genre' and Gearing Up for Lollapalooza: "We're Really Giving it Our All" Henry Golding Says Stepping Into James Bond's Shoes Is "Every Actor's Kind of Nightmare" Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Say "I Do" in Venice Wedding Marred by Billionaire-Bashing Protests The actor began by sharing an expected release date. 'Just yesterday I was with Universal Studios. … The studio said to me, 'Vin, can we please have the finale of Fast & Furious [in] April 2027?' I said, 'Under three conditions because I've been listening to my fan base.'' 'The first is to bring the franchise back to L.A.,' he said before adding, 'The second thing was to return to the car culture, to the street racing.' Diesel concluded with his last wish: 'The third thing was reuniting Dom and Brian O'Conner. That is what you're going to get in the finale.' On Nov. 30, 2013, Paul Walker died in a car accident in Valencia, California. He was 40. Walker was reprising his role as Brian in Universal's Fast & Furious 7 when the tragedy happened. However, the seventh film was able to end the movie by giving his character a proper sendoff, as it sees Dom and Brian speak and then drive away in separate directions. To accomplish this, the film used CGI, VFX artists, his two brothers, Cody and Caleb Walker, and created 350 shots. VFX supervisor Joe Letteri shared with The Hollywood Reporter in 2015 how they were able to honor Paul by having his character appear in that finale scene. The last crucial part was the dialogue. 'Most of the CG shots had some kind of dialogue,' Letteri said. 'The sound editors had to craft the vocal performance out of [existing] dialogue from Paul, and we had to animate to that.' Best of The Hollywood Reporter The 40 Best Films About the Immigrant Experience Wes Anderson's Movies Ranked From Worst to Best 13 of Tom Cruise's Most Jaw-Dropping Stunts
The South African
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Vin Diesel sparks online debate by teasing Paul Walker's return
Vin Diesel has sparked a fierce debate after hinting that Paul Walker's iconic character, Brian O'Conner, could return in the final chapter of the Fast & Furious franchise. The film is set for release in April 2027. The announcement came during Diesel's appearance at FuelFest in Pomona, California. During his appearance he outlined three key conditions for the upcoming film. Bringing the franchise back to Los Angeles, returning to its street racing roots, and reuniting Dom Toretto with Brian O'Conner, according to Daily Mail. Diesel, 57, wore a tank top emblazoned with 'Fast X Part 2 Los Angeles Production 2025'. He excitedly shared the news with fans. He emphasised the importance of these conditions to Universal Pictures. 'That is what you're going to get in the finale.' Fans met his remarks with mixed reactions, especially since Paul Walker tragically died in a car accident in 2013 at the age of 40. Walker's character was given a heartfelt send-off in Furious 7 (2015). Filmmakers used advanced CGI technology to recreate his face over stand-ins. These stand ins included his brothers Cody and Caleb Walker, and actor John Brotherton. This approach was initially praised for its respectful tribute. However it has now become a point of contention as fans express discomfort with the idea of resurrecting Brian O'Conner for the new film. On social media, many fans voiced their disapproval. One user tweeted, 'Bringing back Paul Walker as a CGI character is as disgusting as bringing back Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther.' Another wrote, 'Let Paul Walker rest in peace instead of CGI-ing him into a crappy movie.' Others felt the franchise should end respectfully, with one stating, 'It's disrespectful and stretching out a franchise that should've ended like 10 years ago.' However, some defended the move. Walker's family, including his mother Cheryl Walker and brother Cody Walker—who were present at FuelFest—appear supportive of the decision. Vin Diesel's announcement also reflects a broader trend in Hollywood of using CGI and AI technology to revive beloved actors. Filmmakers recreated Val Kilmer's voice in the 2021 documentary Val. This raises complex questions about legacy, respect, and artistic integrity in the digital age. Vin Diesel's tease about Brian O'Conner's return has ignited passionate debate. While some fans eagerly anticipate the reunion of Dom and Brian, others urge respect for Paul Walker's memory and caution against overextending the franchise. As the final Fast & Furious film races towards its 2027 release, the world watches closely to see how this beloved story will conclude. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The National
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
With Paul Walker in Fast & Furious XI, eight actors who controversially 'starred' in films after their death
Paul Walker, who died 12 years ago, is set to "return" in the final Fast and Furious films. The news was revealed over the weekend by Vin Diesel – the franchise's star – during FuelFest, a car enthusiast event in California. The announcement has sparked controversy, with many fans taking to social media to voice their disapproval of what has come to be known as 'digital necromancy'. However, this is not the first time a deceased actor has been digitally recreated for a role – nor is it the first time Paul Walker has appeared in the film series posthumously. The phenomenon of reviving dead performers using technology dates back to the early 1990s, when vacuum brand Dirt Devil digitally altered footage of actor and dancer Fred Astaire. In the advertisement, Astaire appears to hold one of their products while performing a routine from his 1951 film Royal Wedding. While some viewers appreciated the technical achievement, the overall reaction from critics and fans was largely negative. Many felt it was disrespectful and exploitative – especially given that Astaire had died in 1987 and had not consented to the use of his image. His daughter, Ava Astaire McKenzie, approved the advertisement, citing her father's love of innovation and showmanship. Still, many argued the commercial crossed an ethical line by repurposing a creative legacy for commercial gain. In more recent years, advances in technology have made it possible for deceased performers to share the stage with the living. In 2012, rapper Tupac Shakur made a surprise appearance via hologram at Coachella. His digital likeness performed Hail Mary and 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted alongside Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg. Elsewhere, actress Audrey Hepburn appeared in a Galaxy chocolate advertisement in 2013, 20 years after she died. In this list, we explore notable examples of actors who appeared in films after their deaths – without having been involved in the production. Paul Walker – Furious 7 Walker's death in a car accident in 2013 shocked Hollywood. At the time, the blockbuster film Furious 7 was halfway through production, and his character, Brian O'Conner, still had a number of scenes to appear in. The studio chose to not write the character out or recast him. Instead, they used Paul Walker's brothers, Cody and Caleb, as stand-ins, and applied CGI to complete the performance. The film was adjusted to give his character a farewell, resulting in an emotional final scene where he parts ways with Diesel's character on a quiet road. Ian Holm – Alien: Romulus In one of the biggest surprises of Alien: Romulus, Ash, the android antagonist played by Ian Holm in the first Alien released in 1979, returned. The move was one of the most hotly debated choices of the 2024 film, a legacy sequel directed by Fede Alvarez and produced by series originator Ridley Scott, particularly because Holm died in 2020. Speaking to The National, Alvarez was clear that Holm's likeness has been used with the utmost respect and care to all involved, and that the idea originated from Scott, the man who cast Holm in the original film. Alvarez said : 'We came up with the idea with Ridley when we realised that the only actor who had never made a second appearance as an android was Ian Holm, who we both believe is the best in the franchise.' 'We thought it's so unfair that he never came back when Michael Fassbender did it a couple of times and Lance Henriksen did it more than a couple of times. So we thought he deserved that.' Peter Cushing – Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Celebrated British actor Peter Cushing, best known for his role as Grand Moff Tarkin in the original Star Wars film, died in 1994. More than two decades later, he returned to the screen in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The film's timeline, set just before the events of Star Wars: A New Hope, required Tarkin's presence due to his significance to the plot. Using motion capture and facial mapping technology, actor Guy Henry provided the physical and vocal performance, while Cushing's likeness was digitally reconstructed. The result received mixed reactions, as some were excited to see the character return, while others felt uneasy by the uncanny valley effect it produced. Carrie Fisher – Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Carrie Fisher 's untimely death in 2016 left the Star Wars franchise in a difficult position. Her character, General Leia Organa, was an integral part of the sequel trilogy. The filmmakers chose not to recast the role or use fully digital replacements. Instead, they worked with unused footage from The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, adapting it through new dialogue, compositing and contextual scene-building. This allowed Leia to maintain her presence in The Rise of Skywalker. Her scenes, though limited, carried emotional weight and served as a final farewell. One particularly moving moment is the character's final interaction with her son, Ben Solo, which acts as the catalyst for his redemption. Christopher Reeve – The Flash Christopher Reeve, who remains the definitive Superman for many, died in 2004. In The Flash, DC's multiverse storyline opened the door to a sequence that featured several versions of storied superheroes. In a brief moment, a digital representation of Reeve's Superman appears alongside a recreated Supergirl, portrayed by Helen Slater. Some viewers saw it as a touching tribute, while others questioned the use of his likeness without the benefit of his involvement. The moment highlighted ongoing debates around digital resurrection, particularly when it comes to actors as revered as Reeve. George Reeves – The Flash Another notable digital cameo in The Flash was that of George Reeves, who portrayed Superman in the 1950s television series, Adventures of Superman. Reeves died in 1959 under dark circumstances, yet his Superman briefly appeared during the same montage. His inclusion, like Reeve's, was intended to showcase the legacy of DC's screen history. The visual sequence depicted several parallel Earths, each home to a different version of the Man of Steel. Reeves's portrayal was recognised by older fans and served as a nod to early comic book adaptations, while many others condemned the cameo. Harold Ramis – Ghostbusters: Afterlife Harold Ramis, co-writer and star of the original Ghostbusters films, died in 2014. In Ghostbusters: Afterlife, his character Egon Spengler is central to the story, despite Ramis's absence. The film portrays Egon as having died shortly before the events of the film begin, but he remains present throughout it as a guiding force. In the film's climax, a ghostly version of Egon appears to help his granddaughter and the original Ghostbusters defeat the film's villain. The likeness was achieved using a body double and CGI. Laurence Olivier – Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow Laurence Olivier was one of Britain's greatest actors. Despite his death in 1989, he appeared in Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow in 2004, posthumously portraying the film's villain. The filmmakers used archival footage and photographs of Olivier, digitally manipulated to create the character. His appearance was entirely virtual, making him one of the earliest examples of a fully resurrected actor via computer graphics. The effect contributed to the film's unique visual style, which blended noir, steampunk and early cinematic influences.
The National
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
With Paul Walker in Fast & Furious XI, seven actors who controversially 'starred' in films after their death
Paul Walker, who died 12 years ago, is set to "return" in the final Fast and Furious films. The news was revealed over the weekend by Vin Diesel – the franchise's star – during FuelFest, a car enthusiast event in California. The announcement has sparked controversy, with many fans taking to social media to voice their disapproval of what has come to be known as 'digital necromancy'. However, this is not the first time a deceased actor has been digitally recreated for a role – nor is it the first time Paul Walker has appeared in the film series posthumously. The phenomenon of reviving dead performers using technology dates back to the early 1990s, when vacuum brand Dirt Devil digitally altered footage of actor and dancer Fred Astaire. In the advertisement, Astaire appears to hold one of their products while performing a routine from his 1951 film Royal Wedding. While some viewers appreciated the technical achievement, the overall reaction from critics and fans was largely negative. Many felt it was disrespectful and exploitative – especially given that Astaire had died in 1987 and had not consented to the use of his image. His daughter, Ava Astaire McKenzie, approved the advertisement, citing her father's love of innovation and showmanship. Still, many argued the commercial crossed an ethical line by repurposing a creative legacy for commercial gain. In more recent years, advances in technology have made it possible for deceased performers to share the stage with the living. In 2012, rapper Tupac Shakur made a surprise appearance via hologram at Coachella. His digital likeness performed Hail Mary and 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted alongside Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg. Elsewhere, actress Audrey Hepburn appeared in a Galaxy chocolate advertisement in 2013, 20 years after she died. In this list, we explore notable examples of actors who appeared in films after their deaths – without having been involved in the production. Paul Walker – Furious 7 Walker's death in a car accident in 2013 shocked Hollywood. At the time, the blockbuster film Furious 7 was halfway through production, and his character, Brian O'Conner, still had a number of scenes to appear in. The studio chose to not write the character out or recast him. Instead, they used Paul Walker's brothers, Cody and Caleb, as stand-ins, and applied CGI to complete the performance. The film was adjusted to give his character a farewell, resulting in an emotional final scene where he parts ways with Diesel's character on a quiet road. Ian Holm – Alien: Romulus In one of the biggest surprises of Alien: Romulus, Ash, the android antagonist played by Ian Holm in the first Alien released in 1979, returned. The move was one of the most hotly debated choices of the 2024 film, a legacy sequel directed by Fede Alvarez and produced by series originator Ridley Scott, particularly because Holm died in 2020. Speaking to The National, Alvarez was clear that Holm's likeness has been used with the utmost respect and care to all involved, and that the idea originated from Scott, the man who cast Holm in the original film. Alvarez said : 'We came up with the idea with Ridley when we realised that the only actor who had never made a second appearance as an android was Ian Holm, who we both believe is the best in the franchise.' 'We thought it's so unfair that he never came back when Michael Fassbender did it a couple of times and Lance Henriksen did it more than a couple of times. So we thought he deserved that.' Peter Cushing – Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Celebrated British actor Peter Cushing, best known for his role as Grand Moff Tarkin in the original Star Wars film, died in 1994. More than two decades later, he returned to the screen in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The film's timeline, set just before the events of Star Wars: A New Hope, required Tarkin's presence due to his significance to the plot. Using motion capture and facial mapping technology, actor Guy Henry provided the physical and vocal performance, while Cushing's likeness was digitally reconstructed. The result received mixed reactions, as some were excited to see the character return, while others felt uneasy by the uncanny valley effect it produced. Carrie Fisher – Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Carrie Fisher 's untimely death in 2016 left the Star Wars franchise in a difficult position. Her character, General Leia Organa, was an integral part of the sequel trilogy. The filmmakers chose not to recast the role or use fully digital replacements. Instead, they worked with unused footage from The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, adapting it through new dialogue, compositing and contextual scene-building. This allowed Leia to maintain her presence in The Rise of Skywalker. Her scenes, though limited, carried emotional weight and served as a final farewell. One particularly moving moment is the character's final interaction with her son, Ben Solo, which acts as the catalyst for his redemption. Christopher Reeve – The Flash Christopher Reeve, who remains the definitive Superman for many, died in 2004. In The Flash, DC's multiverse storyline opened the door to a sequence that featured several versions of storied superheroes. In a brief moment, a digital representation of Reeve's Superman appears alongside a recreated Supergirl, portrayed by Helen Slater. Some viewers saw it as a touching tribute, while others questioned the use of his likeness without the benefit of his involvement. The moment highlighted ongoing debates around digital resurrection, particularly when it comes to actors as revered as Reeve. George Reeves – The Flash Another notable digital cameo in The Flash was that of George Reeves, who portrayed Superman in the 1950s television series, Adventures of Superman. Reeves died in 1959 under dark circumstances, yet his Superman briefly appeared during the same montage. His inclusion, like Reeve's, was intended to showcase the legacy of DC's screen history. The visual sequence depicted several parallel Earths, each home to a different version of the Man of Steel. Reeves's portrayal was recognised by older fans and served as a nod to early comic book adaptations, while many others condemned the cameo. Harold Ramis – Ghostbusters: Afterlife Harold Ramis, co-writer and star of the original Ghostbusters films, died in 2014. In Ghostbusters: Afterlife, his character Egon Spengler is central to the story, despite Ramis's absence. The film portrays Egon as having died shortly before the events of the film begin, but he remains present throughout it as a guiding force. In the film's climax, a ghostly version of Egon appears to help his granddaughter and the original Ghostbusters defeat the film's villain. The likeness was achieved using a body double and CGI. Laurence Olivier – Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow Laurence Olivier was one of Britain's greatest actors. Despite his death in 1989, he appeared in Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow in 2004, posthumously portraying the film's villain. The filmmakers used archival footage and photographs of Olivier, digitally manipulated to create the character. His appearance was entirely virtual, making him one of the earliest examples of a fully resurrected actor via computer graphics. The effect contributed to the film's unique visual style, which blended noir, steampunk and early cinematic influences.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Vin Diesel Vows To Bring Back LA Street Racing in Fast and Furious Finale
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. In what could come as a pleasant surprise to racing fans and petrolheads, Hollywood star Vin Diesel has confirmed that the Fast and Furious finale will hit theaters in April 2027, delivering three fan-requested elements, including the long-awaited return of street racing to the streets of Los Angeles. Diesel has been synonymous with Fast and Furious, given his role as Dominic Toretto in the series that began as a street racing movie in 2001. Another popular and much-loved face of Fast and Furious alongside Diesel was Paul Walker, who passed away in a tragic car accident in 2013. Now, Diesel has confirmed that Fast and Furious will end the long journey classically by satisfying the three wishes that fans made. While the first two are the return to Los Angeles and the revival of street racing, the last one was most surprising. Vin Diesel attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. Vin Diesel attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Speaking at 'FuelFest,' a car culture festival co-founded by Walker's brother, Cody, Diesel spoke to a large audience and opened up on the conditions he put to Universal Studios to produce the final chapter of Fast and Furious. He said: "It's been a long journey. As you all know, we have been working very hard to bring you the finale. "This culture, our franchise, is only made possible because of the love that you all have for this culture called the car culture. So I just wanted to say — first, let me just say I'm so proud of Tyrese and Cody for what they've been doing here at Fuel Fest. Give it up for them, please. "Just yesterday I was with Universal Studios — does anyone know Universal Studios? The studio said to me, 'Vin, can we please have the finale of Fast and Furious April 2027?' "I said, 'Under three conditions — under three conditions. Because I've been listening to my fan base. I have been listening to all of you who have been asking for three things. "The first is to bring the franchise back to LA. Fast and Furious is coming back to LA! "The second thing was to return to the car culture — to the street racing. "Oh, this is good. You want to know what the third thing was? Does anybody want to know what the third thing was? "The third third thing was reuniting Dom and Brian O'Connor. That is what you're going to get in the finale. "Love you." Walker passed away while filming for Fast and Furious 7. The remainder of his role was completed with the help of CGI and his brothers Cody and Caleb. Similar techniques could likely be used for Fast and Furious 11.
