Since its launch in 2001, the Fast and Furious film franchise has gained traction as the world's biggest automotive entertainment film series. Its seventh installation doesn't look to disappoint.
"Furious 7" is expected to break box office records, opening in theaters around the world Friday.
Predictions for the film's opening intake range from $120 million to $180 million in North America, with even more predicted internationally. The film would easily take the record for the highest ever grossing film in April with last year's hit "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" taking only $95 million in North America. Experts are expecting the film to be the first billion dollar film of 2015.
The film is expected to break at least three records: largest ever April opening, largest grossing opening weekend for the "Fast and Furious" franchise and the highest opening weekend intake of this year so far.
Arab audiences are of course gearing up for the film, which filmed in Abu Dhabi and features the Lykan HyperSport created by Lebanese entrepreneur Ralph Debbas . Recently one of the Lykan cars used in the film was featured at STEP Conference in Dubai, where Debbas also spoke about developing the world's third most expensive sports car.
Series star Paul Walker will likely draw large audiences as well, as the film is in many ways a tribute to the actor who died in 2013 while production was still underway. The latest installment will be Walker's final big screen performance and will tell the story of the character's exit from the franchise.
"This isn't just another entry into a franchise. It has got more significance to it. Its success at the box office, many people are going to see that as a tribute to Paul Walker, and what he brought to the franchise," Phil Contrino vice president and chief analyst at BoxOffice.com told Business Insider .
We'll see if the optimistic predictions come to fruition but we know for our part, we'll be adding our ticket sales the total this weekend. With Paul Walker, Abu Dhabi and the Lykan all in one film, what better plans could we make?