(Photo Credit: Rex USA)

After Paul Walker's untimely death in a car crash, Universal Pictures announced today that it was shutting down production on "Fast & Furious 7."

This doesn't mean it's abandoning the latest installment of the series, just that the studio is trying to let the cast and Walker's family grieve while it decides the future of the production.

"Right now, all of us at Universal are dedicated to providing support to Paul's immediate family, and our extended 'Fast & Furious' family of cast, crew and filmmakers," Universal said in a statement. "At this time we feel it is our responsibility to shut down production on 'Fast & Furious 7' for a period of time so we can assess all options available to move forward with the franchise."

Read: Paul Walker Died Within Seconds of Crash, Coroner Rules

The seventh film in one of the most successful franchises in movie history began shooting in September and was planned to resume Dec. 2 in Atlanta. But after Walker's death, production was put on hold.

"We are committed to keeping 'Fast & Furious' fans informed, and we will provide further information to them when we have it," the statement added. "Until then, we know they join us in mourning the passing of our dear friend Paul Walker."