Universal Pictures has shut down production “for a period of time” as it considers how best to move ahead with the franchise in the wake of Paul Walker’s death last Saturday (November 30).

“Right now, all of us at Universal are dedicated to providing support to Paul’s immediate family and our extended Fast & Furious family of cast, crew and film-makers,” the studio said in a statement.

“At this time we feel it is our responsibility to shut down production on Fast & Furious 7 for a period of time so we can assess all options available to move forward with the franchise.

“We are committed to keeping Fast & Furious fans informed, and we will provide further information to them when we have it.  Until then, we know they join us in mourning the passing of our dear friend Paul Walker.”

Production on Fast & Furious 7 had been underway when Walker died in a car crash in Santa Clarita north of Los Angeles. The star had been driving home with another occupant from a charity event in support of the Philippines typhoon relief efforts.

Universal announced on Tuesday (December 3) that a percentage of proceeds from the home entertainment release of Fast & Furious 6 would go towards Walker’s charity Reach Out Worldwide.

Walker set up the charity in the wake of the 2010 Haiti earthquake to provide a network of professionals with first-responder skills to assist in global disaster relief efforts.