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The film – around a quarter of which was filmed in and around Abu Dhabi – is the last to feature Hollywood star Paul Walker, who died in a car crash in November 2013, aged 40. Among the most anticipated stunts is a gravity-defying leap between the two Etihad Towers by Vin Diesel’s character Dominic Toretto in a Lykan HyperSport.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Emirates Palace, Yas Marina Circuit and Liwa also feature in the 137-minute production. Production on Furious 7 was halted while the filmmakers and Universal decided whether or not to proceed with the film.
The team ultimately decided to delay the release from its originally scheduled July 2014 date. “It probably created some curiosity, but, at the same time, (the film) fits in so well with the overall continuing saga of the ‘Fast and Furious’ franchise,” Nick Carpou, Universal’s president of domestic distribution, said of Walker, speaking to the Associated Press.
“It’s a motivator, but it’s not by any means the prime motivator to see the movie,” he added.
Hollywood industry magazine Variety suggested interest in Walker was a key aspect in its success. It wrote: “Much as ‘The Dark Knight’ turned into a memorial for Heath Ledger, audiences flocked to see star Paul Walker in one of his final roles.”
HE Jasem Al Darmaki, acting director general of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, said earlier this week that the film has showcased the emirate to the world.
He said: “The filming of Furious 7 in Abu Dhabi allowed us to highlight the emirate’s fantastic mixture of stunning natural scenery and incredible modern architecture, which will undoubtedly raise our international profile. We were excited to host the cast and crew of Furious 7 in our home, and believe it was an excellent opportunity to showcase Abu Dhabi, introduce newcomers to our renowned hospitality and demonstrate the diversity of the destination.”
“We hope the success of this movie and our efforts to attract major film companies such as Universal to our shores will be repeated. Abu Dhabi will continue to welcome filmmakers from around the world and extend all assistance for future projects”.
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