The late Paul Walker gave Fast and Furious co-star Vin Diesel pivotal advice before the first film in the franchise premiered.
The Fast & Furious franchise is one of the most beloved and commercially successful film franchises in history. The series has made Vin Diesel and Paul Walker household names and has become one of the highest-grossing franchises of the 21st century. According to CNBC, it has grossed over 5 billion.
Even more remarkably, the franchise has been able to stay relevant for over twenty years. The first Fast and the Furious film premiered in June 2001. While both Diesel and Walker had prior acting experience, the Fast and Furious franchise was destined to change their careers and lives forever.
A wise Walker knew this and gave Diesel some of the most important advice of his life before the first Fast and the Furious film was released.
What Advice Did Paul Walker Give Vin Diesel Before The Fast And The Furious Premiered In 2001?
Vin Diesel and Paul Walker were two young and hungry Hollywood actors when they both were cast in the first Fast and the Furious film. By the late 1990s, Diesel had made an appearance in Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan and lent his voice in the animated film, The Iron Giant. While Diesel was receiving work, he had yet to have a profound leading role.
Walker was in a similar situation, even though he began acting as a child. He earned his fame from his time on soap opera, The Young and the Restless, and starred in films such as She’s All That and Varsity Blues. Walker got noticed, but did not have a key breakout role that could escalate his career to the next level.
The Fast and the Furious, a traditional action-packed thriller, was a perfect fit for Diesel and Walker. It showcased their talents and cemented them as action stars. While going into a new project can always be nerve-wrecking for upcoming actors, Walker believed in the potential of the film and what it could lead to. According to Men’s Health, Walker was reflective on the filming of the first film and was optimistic about its success.
After filming completed, Walker told Diesel “Take this all in, because this will be our last moment of anonymity.”
Diesel later explained in an interview that Walker “knew we struck a chord in the public somehow”, and Walker’s prediction was absolutely correct. The Fast and the Furious grossed over $206 million, according to Screen Rant. The film’s massive success and popularity led to the creation of a franchise that helped further the careers of not only Diesel and Walker, but also those of the following actors:
- Dwayne Johnson
- Michelle Rodriguez
- Ludacris
- Jason Statham
- Tyrese Gibson
- John Cena
Diesel and Walker indeed became international celebrities and the film franchise earned fans of all ages and backgrounds. Fans became so invested in the Fast & Furious franchise that they would wait hours in line to buy tickets to the opening night of each installment. The franchise’s success led to video games, toys, and even a ride at Universal’s theme parks.
Diesel eventually starred in other major franchises such as Guardians of the Galaxy and XXX. Diesel has earned a considerable amount of money with the Fast & Furious and Guardians of the Galaxy franchises, becoming worth over $220 million.
What Is Paul Walker’s Legacy?
Paul Walker remained a part of the Fast and the Furious franchise until his tragic passing in November 2013, after an automobile accident. Walker starred as Brian O’Conner in:
- The Fast and the Furious (2001)
- 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)
- Fast & Furious (2009)
- Fast Five (2011)
- Fast & Furious 6 (2013)
- Furious 7 (2015)
Walker’s unexpected death not only was challenging for his family and friends, but had a profound effect on Fast & Furious fans. He was a key part of the franchise’s success. For some fans, Walker’s passing was deeply personal.
The production of Furious 7 temporarily halted after Walker’s passing, and Walker’s brother Cody and Caleb were brought in to help finish his uncompleted scenes. The film’s producers decided to have Walker’s O’Conner go his separate ways and focus on raising his family, rather than having the character pass away.
Furious 7 was dedicated in the memory of Paul Walker, and “See You Again”, a tribute song commissioned for the movie by Charlie Puth and Wiz Khalifa, became of the biggest soundtrack hits of the 2010s. According to Box Office Mojo, Furious 7 grossed over $1.5 billion globally and became one of the highest-grossing films in the franchise.
Besides the Fast & Furious franchise, Walker starred in Disney’s Eight Below, Flags of Our Fathers, and Into the Blue. Walker enjoyed success in different projects, but he will always be synonymous with Brian O’Conner.
Were Vin Disel And Paul Walker Friends In Real Life?
Vin Diesel and Paul Walker were not only co-stars of the Fast & Furious franchise, but good friends in real life. They embraced the Fast & Furious success journey together and became a support system for each other as they embraced their international fame.
According to Complex, Diesel shared a reflective post about Walker on his Instagram account in June 2021.
“Naturally, one gets filled with emotion, purpose and ultimately gratitude. Eternal brotherhood is a blessing beyond words. Hope to make you proud…All love, Always.”
Walker’s untimely passing was very difficult for Diesel, who appeared emotional at multiple Furious 7 events. Diesel has made Walker a core inspiration for the continuation of the Fast & Furious franchise.
In October 2021, Diesel walked Paul Walker’s daughter, Meadow Walker, down the aisle at her wedding, according to CNN. Diesel has remained active in Meadow’s life and has been a consistent friend to her since she lost her dad at fifteen.
Vin Diesel is quite similar to his iconic character, Dominick Toretto, and has recognized the importance of family on his life and career. Walker was not only one of his closest friends, but a brother.
