Fast & Furious 7 release moves forward

Fans will be able to watch Paul Walker's final performance earlier than expected after film bosses brought forward the release of Fast & Furious 7.

The seventh installment in the action franchise was thrown into jeopardy last year (13) after the lead actor died in a car crash during a break from filming.

Production resumed in April (14), with Walker's two brothers brought in to help craft scenes he was due to appear in before his tragic death, and the movie was slated for release on 10 April (15).

Bosses at Universal Pictures announced on Wednesday (02Jul14) that the film will now hit cinemas a week earlier, on 3 April (15).

Filming wrapped last week (29Jun14) and star Dwayne Johnson paid tribute to the cast and crew for pulling together in difficult times.

He wrote on Instagram.com, "My last day of Fast & Furious... I'm truly touched by the farewell love my film crew has shown me. It's been an honour to work with such an incredibly hard working and brilliant crew. (A crew who's had to practice great restraint daily on this production). They may not be household names, but they'll ALWAYS be stars in my book. With great love and respect to all of you... see ya down the yellow brick road. Another place. Another time."