The future of the Fast and the Furious franchise is in doubt following the death of Paul Walker over the weekend. Walker’s character Brian O'Conner was a central figure in the franchise’s previous titles and was to play a pivotal role in the upcoming seventh instalment, Fast and Furious 7, which is yet to finish filming.    

In fact, TMZ is reporting that Walker was due to film several key scenes for the new movie this week, meaning the script will most likely need to be altered in a major way if the movie is to be completed.

To make matters worse, many of the actors set to appear in Fast and Furious 7 are, understandably, too distraught to continue working on the project, according to TMZ. Tyrese Gibson, who plays Roman Pearce in the Fast and the Furious movies, visited the site of Walker’s death on Sunday and was visibly distraught.

Universal, the studio behind Fast and Furious 7, has now decided to put production of the movie on indefinite hold, reports The Hollywood Reporter. Despite the hold, Universal's statement indicates it is looking to eventually move forward with the franchise--it's just not sure how or when it should do so.

Walker, 40, was killed on Saturday when a car he was a passenger in, a red Porsche Carrera GT, crashed into a light pole and tree in Santa Clarita, California and burst into flames. Driving the car was Roger Rodas, a racing driver and close associate of Walker. Los Angeles County Sheriff's department officials are currently investigating the crash.

The Fast & Furious fan page today released a video in remembrance of Walker and his role in the film series.

_______________________________________

Follow Motor Authority on Facebook and Twitter.