UPDATE: That Cody Walker Facebook page is apparently a fake. Oops! Those sections of the post have been deleted.
Now that we know for certain that Fast & Furious 7 will race into theaters April 10th 2015, adding yet another blockbuster to a field that doesn't seem to have room for it, the only question left was how Universal and James Wan planned to handle Paul Walker's character. Walker had shot about half of his scenes before his untimely death, and there was speculation the whole film could be scrapped if writer Chris Morgan couldn't find a way to salvage. Now comes a brief but significant update that suggests Morgan may have found a way.
According to Deadline, Universal is confirming Walker's scenes will remain in the film, billing him as a star alongside Vin Diesel. Or as the studio puts it...“Continuing the global exploits in the franchise built on speed, Vin Diesel and Paul Walker lead the returning cast of Fast & Furious 7…” One thing working in its favor is that the franchise has largely become more of an ensemble, and that the Brian O'Connor character was in a place where a diminished role would make some sense.
There had been some rumors over the last couple of weeks that Paul's brother Cody could be stepping in to fill the void, at least for shots taken at a distance. So at least in that respect things seem to be up in the air a little bit. Filming begins on Fast & Furious 7 next year with new additions Jason Statham, Tony Jaa, Rhonda Rousey, Kurt Russell, and Djimon Hounsou.
