“Fast and Furious 7” announces new launch date

The latest in the “Fast and Furious” movie franchise, which has been a major property for Universal Pictures, has a new launch date: April 3, 2015. “Fast and Furious 7” was delayed for nearly a year after the death of star Paul Walker in a car crash in Los Angeles.

Universal’s move to open the movie in early April is seen as a bid to open the summer season for movies early, a strategy that paid of this year for Marvel’s “Captain America: the Winter Solider.” The early opening paid off for “Fast & Furious” in April 2009, for a then-record $70.9 million. The series last outing was Universal’s highest grossing movie, with more than $750 million earned worldwide.

After Walker’s death in the car accident, the studio resumed filming using his brothers to fill in for him in some scenes, and completed the film with footage that had already been shot. In the new movie, Jason Statham plays Ian Shaw, who seeks revenge against Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his crew for the death of his brother. Dwayne Johnson also returns, along with new cast members Kurt Russell and UFC star Ronda Rousey.

Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson return along with new cast members Kurt Russell and Jason Statham. The new movie is set in Los Angeles, after five sequels set in other locations.