The tragic death of Paul Walker was one of the most unexpected and heartbreaking Hollywood losses in recent memory. They say time heals all wounds, but four years removed from his passing, and it's clear that his absence continues to cast a shadow over the film industry, the Fast and Furious franchise, and his family. However, in honor of the late actor's birthday, Paul Walker's daughter, Meadow, posted a wonderfully touching tribute to her father in the hope of spreading some positivity on a potentially sad day. Check it out below.
If that picture doesn't bring a tear to your eye, then I don't know what will. We don't know exactly when this photo was taken, but it shows Paul Walker playing with his daughter, Meadow Walker, as a toddler long before his tragic death in a car accident in 2013. Aside from simply being a great picture of a father and daughter, the post also establishes a "do good challenge" in the hopes of getting the nominees (which includes Dominic Toretto actor Vin Diesel) to share pictures and videos of random acts of kindness. That's not a bad way to celebrate a birthday if you ask me.
Although Paul Walker is no longer with us, his memory continues to reverberate through his most popular franchise. The Fast and Furious films respectfully retired Brian O'Conner at the end of Furious 7 -- with Walker's character triumphantly driving off into the sunset -- and the series continued to keep him at arm's length going into The Fate of the Furious. In fact, although the latest film actively acknowledged that Brian is still out there somewhere (and that Dom's son has officially been named Brian), the last Fast and Furious adventure made a particular point to tell audiences that he has left his life of adventure behind and is not coming back.
That idea has also seems to have continued with the inclusion of franchise newcomer Little Nobody. Portrayed by Scott Eastwood (who was actually friends with Paul Walker prior to his death), his status as a new member of the team very much echoes the position of Brian O'Conner during the earlier years of the Fast and Furious franchise, and has even set up the possibility that he's the new incarnation of Brian. In fact, they even drive the same type of Subaru in the action sequences.
Paul Walker may be gone, but he has clearly not been forgotten. His legacy continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans and family, and we cannot wait to see how the Fast and Furious franchise continues to honor his legacy as the years go by.
We will bring you more information related to the Fast and Furious franchise's future as new information becomes available to us. Until then, take a look at our comprehensive movie premiere guide to get yourself up to date on all of the most highly anticipated silver screen debuts for the rest of 2017.
