Vin Diesel has told the Associated Press that the role given to him in the upcoming film 'The Last Witch Hunter,' has greatly helped him in coping with the death of his long-time friend and 'Fast and Furious' co-star, Paul Walker.
"Death was a huge theme last year," said Diesel. "There was something therapeutic about playing this role after going through [Walker's death]."
Even though it was not the first time that Diesel played a role in a fantasy and sci-fi film, Diesel said that his role in this film is special for him.
"The idea that someone [could be] immortal could be so melancholy. 2014 was a tough year for me in some ways - a lot of ways," said Diesel, in remembering the unexpected death of Paul Walker. "Playing a character that was masking his sorrow - his loss - was very appropriate for the time, because that's what I was doing in real life with the post-"Furious 7."
Paul Walker met his tragic end in a car accident in late 2013, during a holiday break in the filming of 'Furious 7.' The filming was suspended but continued after seven months. Diesel felt the urge to continue the 'Furious' series, in order to honor the legacy of his late friend, and out of respect for the 'Furious' fan base who have remained loyal to the series since the beginning.
"Paul said, 'You know (Furious) 7 could bomb and (Furious) 8 is still guaranteed.' When somebody who is like your brother makes a promise, you feel inclined to want to honor that," Diesel reminisced. "He took a lot of pride in this franchise and he'd be smiling down at the idea of us actually doing what we talked about, which is going to the 10th chapter."
The eight installment of the 'Furious' series has been confirmed to be released in 2017.
