Latest news with #PaulWalker
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
FranklinCovey Appoints Dariusz Paczuski as Chief Marketing Officer
Global Marketing Executive Brings 25+ Years of Experience Driving Customer-Led Growth, Building Iconic Brands, and Leading Digital Transformation SALT LAKE CITY, June 10, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FranklinCovey (NYSE: FC), one of the largest and most trusted leadership companies in the world, today announced it has appointed Dariusz Paczuski as its Chief Marketing Officer. "We're thrilled to have Dariusz join us," said Paul Walker, FranklinCovey CEO. "He has an impressive track record of building iconic brands in highly competitive sectors in media, services, and tech. His passion for our mission, customer-centric focus, and expertise in AI and brand amplification will further strengthen our market position, accelerate our business growth, and enable greatness in even more people and more organizations everywhere." "It's inspiring to join such a passionate and purposeful team," said Paczuski. "FranklinCovey is the world leader in transforming organizations by building exceptional leaders, teams, and cultures that get results. I was introduced to the 7 Habits early in my life and having built a decades-long career in B2B and B2C media and tech, what stands out to me as a business leader and attracts me to this opportunity is the proven durability and impact of these core principles. It's exciting to think about how we will position, package, and deliver powerful solutions to help leaders improve people and organizational performance at scale and in the digital age." Paczuski is a global marketing executive with 25+ years of experience driving customer-led growth, repositioning brands, and leading digital transformation across media and technology companies. He has held marketing leadership roles at media companies and tech pioneers including Verizon, Yahoo, Microsoft, Tellme, AOL, Netscape, and NBC. His expertise spans public and private enterprises, VC and PE-backed firms, and subscription and advertising-based companies with revenues of up to $7.5 billion. He was most recently the Global CMO at Globalization Partners, the leading global employment platform, where he helped launch Gia, a global HR agent powered by AI. Previously, at Verizon, he launched the Verizon Media brand, rebranded Yahoo, and helped execute a strategic turnaround that reignited user and revenue growth. Paczuski added, "I'm honored to steward and shape the future of such an esteemed brand. I look forward to maximizing our impact on a global scale and advancing our mission to enable greatness in people and organizations everywhere." He holds a bachelor's degree in marketing and an International Business Certificate from California State University Long Beach. He is a graduate of the Stanford Executive Program, Microsoft Member Bench, and GE Financial Management Program. Paczuski was born in Poland and has lived in the UK, Norway, and now resides in the San Francisco Bay Area. About FranklinCovey FranklinCovey (NYSE: FC) is one of the largest and most trusted leadership companies in the world, with directly owned and licensee partner offices providing professional services in over 160 countries and territories. The Company transforms organizations by partnering with clients to build leaders, teams, and cultures that get breakthrough results through collective action, which leads to a more engaging work experience for their people. Available through the FranklinCovey All Access Pass, FranklinCovey's best-in-class content, solutions, experts, technology, and metrics seamlessly integrate to ensure lasting behavior change at scale. Solutions are available in multiple delivery modalities in more than 20 languages. This approach to leadership and organizational change has been tested and refined by working with tens of thousands of teams and organizations over the past 30 years. Clients have included organizations in the Fortune 100, Fortune 500 and thousands of small and mid-sized businesses, numerous government entities, and educational institutions. To learn more, visit and enjoy exclusive content across FranklinCovey's social media channels at: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. View source version on Contacts PRESS CONTACT: FranklinCovey Co., Debra Lund, 801-244-4474
Top Gear
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Top Gear
Fast X: Part 2 will apparently reunite Dominic Toretto and... Brian O'Conner. Wait, what?
Fast X: Part 2 will apparently reunite Dominic Toretto and... Brian O'Conner. Wait, what? It will also see the series return to Los Angeles and its street racing roots Skip 6 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. 1 / 6 Vin Diesel has confirmed a few key details for what we can expect in Fast X: Part 2, the final chapter in the long-running and sometimes incomphrensible Fast and Furious saga, with the most crucial being an on-screen return for Brian O'Conner (played by the late Paul Walker). The beloved cop-turned-racer had a starring role in five of the first six instalments, before his passing during the production of the seventh. Walker is believed to have completed 85 per cent of his scenes in that movie, with his brothers, Caleb and Cody, stepping in for the remainder as CGI stand-ins. Advertisement - Page continues below Walker was given a heartfelt tribute at the end of Furious 7, and though his character has been referenced on multiple occasions in the three movies since, the decision to bring him back to the fold could prove to be a divisive one. Also... how, exactly? Diesel confirmed the franchise was also heading back to its spiritual home of Los Angeles, where the very first movie was set, while promising a return to the street racing theme that made the series such a hit. Whether the production team decides to go full '90s, with deep house music and time-warping nitrous oxide scenes, is yet to be seen. A return to LA makes the previous movie's cliffhanger ending somewhat tricky: Toretto staring at a soon-to-collapse dam, his team's plane being taken down and the post-credit return of Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson). So, once more... how, exactly? Fast X: Part 2 was originally set for release in early 2026, but production delays have now pushed the launch date back to April 2027. Reckon Diesel's revelations are going to make it worth the wait? Advertisement - Page continues below Top Gear Newsletter Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Success Your Email*
Gizmodo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
‘Fast & Furious' Couldn't Keep Driving Like This
Every franchise, if allowed to go on long enough, hits a wall sooner or later. Nothing lasts forever, as they say, and we've seen this eventuality come sooner or later in different flavors. But not many have hit the wall quite like Fast & Furious. One of the biggest, stupidest Hollywood franchises around is now slated to end its main run of movies in April 2027 with Fast XI. It's an end that can't come soon enough, honestly. Fast X's biggest crime wasn't being half a movie—though of summer 2023's trio of half-movies, it was easily the worst of the bunch—but how much it confirmed the series' fumes had finally diminished. The question of where this series goes has always hung around post-Furious 7, which only felt conclusive because it suddenly had to be retooled as a farewell to the late Paul Walker and his character, Brian O'Connor. The writers for these characters likely weren't thinking long-term prior to Walker's passing, so it's impossible to know how this franchise would've gone on otherwise. For better or worse, Brian was an anchor being (ugh) for Fast & Furious, and things have fallen apart without him. The sequels have tried to position different characters to fill that void, but the attempted candidates—Little Nobody in Fate of the Furious, Dom's brother Jakob in F9, and ex-Fast baddies Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw—are either too green or too experienced to really settle in with the other characters, who've all been playing the same notes throughout the Fast saga. People have never really been these movies' strong suit, but it's increasingly felt like the cast is on autopilot until it's time for a car scene or stunt, not helped by the gradual pivot from an ensemble piece to 'The Dom Toretto Show (and Friends)' and increasingly dubious character swerves. (Vin Diesel's refusal to share the spotlight with anyone else may be the franchise's biggest flaw, and if you don't believe me, go watch Dungeons & Dragons to see how much more awake Michelle Rodriguez is compared to these movies. Actually, go watch that anyways because it's great.) Such nonsense can be forgiven in, say, Mission: Impossible, but those movies have smaller casts and generally employ more restraint. In the past, Fast embracing idiocy made for a fun spectacle; watching the final act of Furious 6 in theaters with a crowd was a deliriously good time. But stunt-wise, the series might've peaked with Seven or Fate, something the creative forces seem to have finally admitted to themselves. On its face, Diesel's promise of Fast XI being set in LA and returning to the car culture and street antics of the first film isn't a bad thing and may even result in some more inventive set pieces now that they have to rein themselves back in. It'll just always be funny how the series' next escalation is a de-escalation that'll have to skirt by its last movie's cliffhanger ending and hope Dwayne Jonshon and Jason Momoa's purported double act can help square that circle when or if the time comes. Come April 2027, I will likely be there in the theaters watching Fast XI with everyone else to see how things end. The series has enough good entries under its belt to warrant seeing it through to the end and seeing the inevitably messy way they bring Brian back into the fold. I just wish it were going out on better terms after all the goodwill it'd built up with its middle entries. But we got Brazil and the longest airport runway in the world, so at least there's that. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
ArabGT
a day ago
- Automotive
- ArabGT
Fast & Furious Bids Farewell with the Return of Paul Walker
More than a decade after the tragic loss of Paul Walker in 2013, the beloved actor will once again grace the screen in the final chapter of the Fast & Furious saga. Fans of the franchise are about to witness a historic moment, as Universal prepares to bring closure to one of cinema's most enduring action legacies. According to star Vin Diesel, the eleventh installment won't just wrap up the story of Dominic Toretto and his crew—it will serve as a reunion for the entire Fast family, including Brian O'Conner, the character made iconic by Walker. Through a heartfelt and carefully crafted approach, Brian's return will mark a poignant turning point in the franchise's long history. To achieve this, the filmmakers have chosen a sophisticated method that steers clear of digital recreations or virtual simulations. Instead, the return of Brian will be made possible by integrating unseen archival footage into newly filmed scenes, edited in a way that allows for seamless interaction with the ongoing storyline. This respectful technique ensures that Walker's presence is honored authentically, while preserving the emotional weight his character carries. It also restores the sense of grounded storytelling and emotional depth that many fans felt had been diluted in recent films. Vin Diesel has emphasized that this final chapter is meant to reunite the core characters who shaped the heart of the franchise. Dom and Letty, Roman and Tej, Mia and her children—all will be brought together on screen, alongside Brian, for a farewell that feels both nostalgic and genuine. This return to form re-centers the narrative on the values that made the series resonate from the beginning: loyalty, family, and connection. In another nod to its roots, Fast & Furious 11 will revive the gritty street racing culture that defined its earliest entries. The film is set to feature authentic racing sequences shot on the streets of Los Angeles using legendary vehicles such as the Dodge Charger and Toyota Supra. The production aims to limit the use of CGI, focusing instead on realism and physical action that reflect the franchise's original tone. This shift is designed to recapture the raw energy that captivated fans in the early 2000s and distinguish the final film as a return to authenticity. The release of the eleventh film is currently scheduled for April 2027, with an official teaser expected to drop soon on YouTube. Production is projected to take between eighteen months and two years, reflecting the ambition and care behind this grand finale. It's clear that the team behind Fast & Furious wants to ensure that the story concludes with both spectacle and soul. This final installment represents more than just the end of an era—it's a carefully orchestrated tribute to the series' history, its characters, and most importantly, its fans. The return of Brian O'Conner after a decade, the full cast reunion, the revival of street racing culture, and the respectful approach to Paul Walker's legacy all combine to create a cinematic moment that is both powerful and emotionally resonant. It's not just a farewell; it's a celebration of everything the franchise has meant to millions around the world. For those who have been along for the ride since the beginning, Fast & Furious 11 promises to be the defining moment they've waited for since 2001—a final ride that brings the family full circle.
The National
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The National
With Paul Walker in Fast & Furious XI, eight actors who controversially 'starred' in films after their death
Paul Walker, who died 12 years ago, is set to "return" in the final Fast and Furious films. The news was revealed over the weekend by Vin Diesel – the franchise's star – during FuelFest, a car enthusiast event in California. The announcement has sparked controversy, with many fans taking to social media to voice their disapproval of what has come to be known as 'digital necromancy'. However, this is not the first time a deceased actor has been digitally recreated for a role – nor is it the first time Paul Walker has appeared in the film series posthumously. The phenomenon of reviving dead performers using technology dates back to the early 1990s, when vacuum brand Dirt Devil digitally altered footage of actor and dancer Fred Astaire. In the advertisement, Astaire appears to hold one of their products while performing a routine from his 1951 film Royal Wedding. While some viewers appreciated the technical achievement, the overall reaction from critics and fans was largely negative. Many felt it was disrespectful and exploitative – especially given that Astaire had died in 1987 and had not consented to the use of his image. His daughter, Ava Astaire McKenzie, approved the advertisement, citing her father's love of innovation and showmanship. Still, many argued the commercial crossed an ethical line by repurposing a creative legacy for commercial gain. In more recent years, advances in technology have made it possible for deceased performers to share the stage with the living. In 2012, rapper Tupac Shakur made a surprise appearance via hologram at Coachella. His digital likeness performed Hail Mary and 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted alongside Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg. Elsewhere, actress Audrey Hepburn appeared in a Galaxy chocolate advertisement in 2013, 20 years after she died. In this list, we explore notable examples of actors who appeared in films after their deaths – without having been involved in the production. Paul Walker – Furious 7 Walker's death in a car accident in 2013 shocked Hollywood. At the time, the blockbuster film Furious 7 was halfway through production, and his character, Brian O'Conner, still had a number of scenes to appear in. The studio chose to not write the character out or recast him. Instead, they used Paul Walker's brothers, Cody and Caleb, as stand-ins, and applied CGI to complete the performance. The film was adjusted to give his character a farewell, resulting in an emotional final scene where he parts ways with Diesel's character on a quiet road. Ian Holm – Alien: Romulus In one of the biggest surprises of Alien: Romulus, Ash, the android antagonist played by Ian Holm in the first Alien released in 1979, returned. The move was one of the most hotly debated choices of the 2024 film, a legacy sequel directed by Fede Alvarez and produced by series originator Ridley Scott, particularly because Holm died in 2020. Speaking to The National, Alvarez was clear that Holm's likeness has been used with the utmost respect and care to all involved, and that the idea originated from Scott, the man who cast Holm in the original film. Alvarez said : 'We came up with the idea with Ridley when we realised that the only actor who had never made a second appearance as an android was Ian Holm, who we both believe is the best in the franchise.' 'We thought it's so unfair that he never came back when Michael Fassbender did it a couple of times and Lance Henriksen did it more than a couple of times. So we thought he deserved that.' Peter Cushing – Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Celebrated British actor Peter Cushing, best known for his role as Grand Moff Tarkin in the original Star Wars film, died in 1994. More than two decades later, he returned to the screen in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The film's timeline, set just before the events of Star Wars: A New Hope, required Tarkin's presence due to his significance to the plot. Using motion capture and facial mapping technology, actor Guy Henry provided the physical and vocal performance, while Cushing's likeness was digitally reconstructed. The result received mixed reactions, as some were excited to see the character return, while others felt uneasy by the uncanny valley effect it produced. Carrie Fisher – Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Carrie Fisher 's untimely death in 2016 left the Star Wars franchise in a difficult position. Her character, General Leia Organa, was an integral part of the sequel trilogy. The filmmakers chose not to recast the role or use fully digital replacements. Instead, they worked with unused footage from The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, adapting it through new dialogue, compositing and contextual scene-building. This allowed Leia to maintain her presence in The Rise of Skywalker. Her scenes, though limited, carried emotional weight and served as a final farewell. One particularly moving moment is the character's final interaction with her son, Ben Solo, which acts as the catalyst for his redemption. Christopher Reeve – The Flash Christopher Reeve, who remains the definitive Superman for many, died in 2004. In The Flash, DC's multiverse storyline opened the door to a sequence that featured several versions of storied superheroes. In a brief moment, a digital representation of Reeve's Superman appears alongside a recreated Supergirl, portrayed by Helen Slater. Some viewers saw it as a touching tribute, while others questioned the use of his likeness without the benefit of his involvement. The moment highlighted ongoing debates around digital resurrection, particularly when it comes to actors as revered as Reeve. George Reeves – The Flash Another notable digital cameo in The Flash was that of George Reeves, who portrayed Superman in the 1950s television series, Adventures of Superman. Reeves died in 1959 under dark circumstances, yet his Superman briefly appeared during the same montage. His inclusion, like Reeve's, was intended to showcase the legacy of DC's screen history. The visual sequence depicted several parallel Earths, each home to a different version of the Man of Steel. Reeves's portrayal was recognised by older fans and served as a nod to early comic book adaptations, while many others condemned the cameo. Harold Ramis – Ghostbusters: Afterlife Harold Ramis, co-writer and star of the original Ghostbusters films, died in 2014. In Ghostbusters: Afterlife, his character Egon Spengler is central to the story, despite Ramis's absence. The film portrays Egon as having died shortly before the events of the film begin, but he remains present throughout it as a guiding force. In the film's climax, a ghostly version of Egon appears to help his granddaughter and the original Ghostbusters defeat the film's villain. The likeness was achieved using a body double and CGI. Laurence Olivier – Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow Laurence Olivier was one of Britain's greatest actors. Despite his death in 1989, he appeared in Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow in 2004, posthumously portraying the film's villain. The filmmakers used archival footage and photographs of Olivier, digitally manipulated to create the character. His appearance was entirely virtual, making him one of the earliest examples of a fully resurrected actor via computer graphics. The effect contributed to the film's unique visual style, which blended noir, steampunk and early cinematic influences.
