LOS ANGELES — Universal Pictures is shutting down production on “Fast & Furious 7” for an indefinite period following the death of one of the film’s stars, Paul Walker, ensuring a delayed release date for the big-budget picture.
Universal said in a statement on Wednesday that it would halt filming “for a period of time so we can assess all options available to move forward with the franchise.” The studio added, “We are committed to keeping ‘Fast & Furious’ fans informed, and we will provide further information to them when we have it.”
Simultaneously, the Los Angeles County coroner’s office released the results of an autopsy of Mr. Walker’s remains. Mr. Walker, 40, was the passenger in a Porsche that crashed into a light pole and tree on Saturday afternoon. He died of the combined effects of “traumatic and thermal” injuries, the coroner said. The driver of the car, Roger Rodas, died of “multiple traumatic injuries.”
The deaths were ruled accidental.
Mr. Walker died in suburban Los Angeles while on a Thanksgiving break from filming. “Fast & Furious 7,” which Universal had scheduled for release on July 11, is only about half-finished. “Right now, all of us at Universal are dedicated to providing support to Paul’s immediate family and our extended ‘Fast & Furious’ family of cast, crew and filmmakers,” the studio's statement said.