It was a bittersweet Wednesday for the cast of Furious 7. As they smiled for the cameras on the red carpet of their premiere, theycouldn't help but be tearful as they remembered fellow costar Paul Walker. Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson,Ludacris and Vin Diesel all spoke about the late actor and how much hemeant to the world.
The cast came out earlier in the day to celebrate Vin Diesel's handprint ceremony Photo: Getty Images
Tyrese took to Instagram to share his sentiments about the late actor, who lost his life in a car crash at the age of 40. "It's so very hard to celebrate without you it's so hard. Every photo every moment every hug hurts," he wrote. "The world is already celebrating all of the LOVE and beautiful ART that you left us with - Meadow Walker and family I love you."
The star also shared with PEOPLE, "He wastruly an angel. We wereinspired to pick up the pieces and keep moving because it became 'Let us dothis on his behalf.'"
Ludacris echoedhis feelings. “It’s hard to watch, but it’s so good at the same time," hetold The Hollywood Reporter. "I love how we ended it creatively." Itseems the whole cast is happy with how they chose to end the film despite nothaving Paul there to complete it."
Vin Diesel, who attended his Hollywood Boulevard handprint ceremony with his girlfriend and kids earlier in the day, also shared with the THR, "This movie is more than a movie. There's something emotionalthat happens to you where you walk out of this movie, and you appreciateeveryone you love because you just never know when the last day is that you'llsee them."
Vin and the rest of the cast shared their sentiments about Paul Photo: Getty Images
StarJordana was also curious about what they'd do with ending. “I was sorelieved. I didn’t know how it would end up. I didn’t know what the tone would be when we were finishing the film,” she told Playboy. “I was sorelieved and so happy when I finally saw the film. Because I think it’s sofitting and it’s beautiful. And I think his fans will love it as well. It’shard to get through without crying.”
Jordana Brewster was anxious to see the ending of the film Photo: Getty Images
The film'srelease was initially pushed back as the filmmakers took time to mourn Paul's death, and rethink the ending of the film. Paul's brothers Caleband Cody, who also attended the premiere, ended up acting as the stand ins forhis brother. "I'm so happy with it," Cody told PEOPLE. "I thinkPaul would be proud."
Paul's brothers Caleb and Cody stepped into his role to finish the film Photo: Getty Images
Another person proud of Paul's incredible accomplishments ishis now 16-year-old daughter Meadow Rain who hasn't been shy to express herfeelings about her late father. On the anniversary of his death, she posted athrowback photo on Instagramof Paul holding her in his lap writing, "I love you."
The teen now lives with her mother Rebecca Soterosafter Paul's mother, Cheryl, dropped her petitioned for guardianship."She's really in a great space," Tyrese said. "She's reallyfocused on her education and just spending a lot of quality time with herfriends. That brings her a lot of joy."
Furious 7 hits theaters Friday.
For more photos from the premiere and handprint ceremony click below:
