UNIVERSAL PICTURES PUSHES ‘FAST AND FURIOUS 7’ RELEASE DATE

Universal has changed the release date for Fast & Furious 7. The movie will now hit theaters April 3, 2015.

The latest adjustment is the third time the release date has changed. The movie was originally slated to arrive this month, but was put on indefinite hold following the death of star Paul Walker. Then, the studio reset it for April 10, 2015. According to the Hollywood Reporter, pushing the release up a week will allow the movie to have a wider release internationally.

Walker will be featured in the movie despite his untimely passing. The studio is reportedly using his brother, a stuntman, to finish most of his scenes, and plans to add his face via CGI. Writer Chris Morgan and director James Wan found a way to work around Walker’s remaining scenes and retire the character off screen.

The latest chapter of the Fast & Furious franchise is expected to introduce several newcomers, including Jason Statham, Kurt Russell, Djimon Hounsou, Tony Jaa and Ronda Rousey. Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Chris Bridges, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Lucas Black and Elsa Pataky are expected to return and reprise their roles.