Paul Walker’s younger brother, Cody, has reportedly been approached by Universal to finish shooting scenes the late actor was yet to film.
On November 30, Walker and his business partner, Roger Rodas, were killed in a horrific car crash when the Porsche they were test driving went out of control, hitting a street post and bursting into flames.
The studio was left scrambling, following the death of Paul Walker, as the cast was on a break for the Thanksgiving holiday and was set to resume shooting the last portion of the film in December.
Universal immediately shut down production of Fast 7 to give Walker’s family, as well as co-stars Vin Diesel and Tyrese Gibson, who were not only colleagues but very close friends of Paul Walker, time and space to grieve.
The biggest problem the studio has is deciding what to do about Paul Walker’s character, Brian O’Conner. Before his death, the actor had roughly half of his part completed, according to The Hollywood Reporter , so it was not easy to not use that footage.
Initially, producers thought they would have to start from the beginning and completely change the script, which is being adjusted by writer Chris Morgan.
The report suggests that Paul Walker had shot several scenes, not in chronological order, since films are shot at random. He had not shot the opening scene.
Reports have surfaced that Paul Walker’s brother Cody has been approached by producers to fill in for his deceased brother.
Cody Walker is a 25-year-old virtual look-alike, and has worked in movies as a stuntman — so he does have filming experience.
If these reports are accurate, having Paul Walker’s brother in Fast & Furious 7 would be a fitting tribute, which is Universal’s intention as they bid farewell to one of its main characters in this installment of the franchise.
Morgan’s revision will attempt to use the available footage of Walker, but also give him an appropriate exit from the movie franchise around mid-movie, which is a delicate situation as his death is so fresh. Still, the film must be completed.
Cory, who lives in Oregon, has reportedly been staying with his mom, Cheryl, in Los Angeles, after Paul Walker’s death and has been helping to clear the late actor’s belongings from his home.
Paul Walker’s family visited the Forest Lawn cemetery, where he will be laid to rest. His remains have been cremated and will be interred in a small plot the family purchased. A private service will take place this coming weekend.
Universal has made it clear that they will consult with Paul Walker’s family to give him a proper exit, after being the protagonist of the multi-billion dollar franchise since its inception.
“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.”
Paul Walker was 40 years old, and leaves behind his only teenage daughter, parents, brothers, and other family and friends.