The release date of the next Fast & Furious movie has been pulled forward by a week from the 10th April to the 3rd April 2015, Universal Pictures has announced. According to THR, the decision was made to allow the action sequel to have "more international playdates."

The movie was originally scheduled for release this summer but actor Paul Walker's tragic death last November meant the filmmakers had to reconfigure some of the scenes he was scheduled to shoot. Walker died in a high speed Californian car crash along with his friend Roger Rodas and was killed instantly on collision with roadside obstacles.

Walker will still be featured in Fast 7 but some of his scenes will have been edited to account for his unfinished filming. He will be seen starring alongside franchise returners Dwayne Johnson, Tyrese Gibson, Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, and Jordana Brewster.

More: How will 'Fast & Furious 7' look without Paul Walker?

The franchise will also be welcoming a host of new faces, including Jason Statham, Djimon Hounsou, Tony Jaa, Ronda Rousey and Kurt Russell.

Watch the trailer for Fast & Furious 6.

The plot of will follow Vin Diesel's character Dominic Toretto and his crew as they attempt to lead normal lives. However, Ian Shaw, who played by British tough guy Jason Statham, is on the warpath of revenge, threatening the whole crew. The gang are in a different kind of race this time - to find the man who killed their crewmember, Han, before he finds them.

The James Wan-directed movie has been written by Chris Morgan, whilst Neal H. Moritz, Diesel and Michael Fottrell are credited as producers.

Fast & Furious 7 will be released on the 3rd April 2015.

More: Dwayne Johnson battling a hernia at time of Paul Walker's death.

Paul Walker
The 'Fast & Furious 7' Date Has Been Brought Closer After Paul Walker's Death Was Accounted For.