Tyrese Gibson confirmed Fast & Furious 7 will resume production in early 2014 with the late Paul Walker serving as inspiration moving forward.

"Right at the top of the year, we'll be here for Fast 7," Gibson told reporters outside of a nightclub in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, Dec. 31. "At this point, it's all about being inspired by Paul. I mean, he started the franchise, literally, one of my best friends ever, man."

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The actor then talked about how it would be hard to continue on in life without his friend and co-star.

"Sometimes I find it hard to enjoy life because he's not here," Gibson continued. "But me knowing him, he would want us to keep smiling, keep having fun. I've never seen him cry, I've never seen him sad. I've known him for 13 years, so you know, we gotta keep rocking. And we gotta keep this franchise alive. At this point, because it's a multicultural film that has [had an impact] around the world, I know he would want us to continue doing this on his behalf."

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Paul Walker died in a fiery car crash on Nov. 30. Co-star Vin Diesel laid to rest any ideas that the movie would be canceled with a Dec. 22 Facebook post saying, "Fast and Furious 7 will be released," and then announcing the film's release date: April 10, 2015.

In Dec. 3 interview, co-star Michelle Rodriguez also said, "I'm going to carry this torch for you brother."

Judging by Walker's co-stars, Walker lit the torch bright enough to lead the franchise passed Fast & Furious 7 and possibly into a Fast 8.

Tags: Paul Walker Fast 7 Movies