Trending News|June 01, 2014 11:28 EDT
Paul Walker Death Leads to Record-Breaking $50M Insurance Claim - Largest Ever!
Paul Walker's tragic death might be the highest film insurance claim in history amounting to $50 million. Fast & Furious 7 is Universal Studio's tribute to the late actor who died in a car accident last year but with a cost. Fireman's Fund and Universal are currently in negotiations on the final cost of claims to cover Walker's remaining scenes for the film.
The film is set to culminate its 13-week action-packed production in July after four months of delay due to Walker's sudden death. To cover for the actor's role, the studio contracted brothers Cody and Caleb to mimic Paul's mannerisms and physique. The production will also use computer-generated face replacements as well as multiple gears to give justice to Brian O'Conner's part.
Fast & Furious 7 was originally pegged with a $200 million budget, but with all the special effects costs, insurance broker Brian Kingman said that approximately $50 million willl be added to the total overhead expenses.
"They are finishing the film more or less as scripted, replacing Paul with [computer-generated] face replacement. They have two of Paul's brothers as well as an actor to 'play' Paul when needed. Everything they want with Paul gets done three times over. Three [actors] times seven cameras per shot is a clusterf--- of money being spent," a Hollywood Life source said.
When asked if all the expenses would be worth it, Rentrak senior media analyst Paul Dergarabedian said, "With Fast & Furious, it's more than just about the bottom line dollars. It's about carrying on with the legacy of the franchise and honoring the memory of star Paul Walker."
Fast & Furious 7 premieres April 10, 2015.