rHodas: Paul Walker Says Brazilian People Were 'Excited' To Host 'Fast Five'

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Paul Walker Says Brazilian People Were 'Excited' To Host 'Fast Five'

'I love to travel, and that's one of those places that, on my own, I would have never have ventured,' he tells MTV News.
By Kara Warner

Paul Walker and Vin Diesel in "Fast Five"
Photo: Universal Pictures

For those heading to the theaters this weekend to see the action-packed, souped-up-car-gasmic "Fast Five," there are only a few things you should know going in: The cast is teeming with members from all four previous films (Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson and Ludacris are all back) and the movie was filmed all over the world, including in Puerto Rico, Arizona, Georgia and California, but mainly in and around the illustrious city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — including the storied and dangerous favela districts.

When MTV News caught up with Walker, we asked him how the crew managed to get clearance to film in such tough areas.

"That's the best part about the job, is we have a VIP card," Walker said of the production's exempt status. "For most people, especially the tourists, the favela is off limits, but we got permission basically from the drug lords to come up there and film," he revealed. "We got cops with us, but everyone knows the reason we're there isn't because the cops said, 'Go ahead and come up and in'; it's the cooperation with the drug lords."

Walker said he hung out with people from the area, as did the film crew, and everyone had a great time during the shoot.

"That's one of the best aspects of my job. I'm up there hanging out, and the people are friendly and I don't have anything to worry about. People are just excited we're there," he said. "I love to travel, and that's one of those places that, on my own, I would have never have ventured, but because we're here doing this, it made it all possible."

Check out everything we've got on "Fast Five."

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