6 April 2015
From the section Entertainment & Arts
The film’s cast includes (left – right) Tyrese Gibson, Jordana Brewster, Paul Walker, Ludacris
Action movie Furious 7 has taken $384 million (£257 million) at the global box office in its opening weekend.
Almost half of that figure – $190 million (£127 million) – was made at the US box office.
Globally, it is the fourth-highest opening of all time, beaten only by two Harry Potter films and The Avengers.
Interest in the film was at least partially tied to its late star Paul Walker, who died in a car crash in before the film was completed in 2013.
Following the fatal accident, production on Furious 7 was suspended while the filmmakers decided whether or not to proceed.
The team ultimately decided to delay the release from its scheduled July 2014 date. Walker’s scenes were completed using a mixture of computer animation and body doubles – including two of the star’s younger brothers, Caleb and Cody.
Paul Walker was attending a charity event in 2013 when the car he was travelling in crashed
“This is a bittersweet instalment in the franchise,” said Phil Contrino, vice president and chief analyst at BoxOffice.com.
“Walker’s passing made this movie more intriguing for people who hadn’t seen some of the instalments. It raised awareness and its success is a tribute to him.”
Film company Universal said Walker’s death “probably created some curiosity” amongst audiences but added: “It’s not by any means the prime motivator to see the movie”.
Sleeper hit
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Source:: BBC Entertainment
