Vin Diesel has explained how he pays tribute to his fallen co-star and friend Paul Walker in every single Fast & Furious movie since Walker's tragic death in 2013. As the latest movie in the franchise - F9 - is released this week, Diesel spoke of how his 'brother' remains a part of everything that they do while they're making the films.
The Chronicles of Riddick and xXx star - not that kind, obviously - was appearing on TODAY to discuss the release of the new film when host Natalie Morales said to him: "This film, you clearly bring up Paul and his legacy throughout the film, as well. He's never gone. He's never forgotten in this franchise."
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Diesel replied: "Ever, ever, ever,
"I never think I'm continuing the franchise in his absence. I always feel like I'm continuing the franchise in his honour."
Walker was only 40 years old when he was killed in an horrific car accident back in 2013, but starred as Brian O'Conner in many of the films that preceded his death.
He has also appeared posthumously in a number of the films, as well as remaining part of the thoughts of the cast and crew, even right up to F9.
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In fact, Walker's 22-year-old daughter Meadow Rain Walker recently walked the red carpet at the US premiere, and remains close to Diesel and his family.
So strong was the relationship between Walker and Diesel that the latter even named his child - six-year-old Pauline - after his friend.
The actor credited the 'family' atmosphere around the Fast & Furious franchise for why it has been such a success.
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Not many franchises manage to run to this many movies, to be fair.
He said: "That's ultimately what the true blessing is, work with people that you love.
"I believe, at the end of the day, people come to Fast because the characters, we want to know what happens next. We want to know how they evolve."
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The latest release is set to be the penultimate movie, with only one more on the cards afterwards.
Diesel reflected: "It's so surreal to come full circle and to see something completed like that.
"I don't often reflect back enough on stuff that I've done. I always feel like I'm a minute away from having to produce the next film."
F9 is set to be released in cinemas across the UK from tomorrow (24 June).
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Vin Diesel, TV and Film, Celebrity, US Entertainment, Paul Walker