Paul Walker May Return as Brian in 'Fast Forever' With Help of AI

According to reports picked up from Page Six, Paul Walker could appear once again as Brian O'Conner in Fast Forever with the help of artificial intelligence. The possibility was raised by Cody Walker, the actor’s brother, who said he has no interest in returning as a body double in the franchise’s final film.

Cody explained that if Meadow Walker, Paul’s daughter, approves the idea, the character could be digitally recreated for a new appearance. “My position is this: it’s whatever Meadow wants done; he’s her father. I wouldn’t be interested in doing that again”, he said in an interview with EW. He also noted that AI technology did not exist when he and Caleb Walker helped finish Paul’s scenes in Furious 7.

Cody also said he was pleased with the way Brian exited the franchise: “They didn’t kill him off, they didn’t do anything cheesy like that. It’s beautiful, [Brian] is raising the kids”, he commented.

Even so, he believes there are alternatives for a possible return without the need for his involvement. “There are years of unreleased footage from these other films in the franchise. They’re the best in the business, they can figure it out”, he said, citing the possibility of using previously recorded material or digital technology.

It’s worth noting that Brian’s possible return had also previously been suggested by Vin Diesel, who revealed that one of the conditions he set for ending the franchise was reuniting Dom and Brian. Diesel himself, however, has still not explained how the character would return to the screen. 

Paul Walker died at 40 in 2013, during the production of Furious 7.

Fast Forever is set to premiere on March 17, 2028. The film will mark the end of the main franchise, which has already grossed around $7.3 billion at the worldwide box office.