Paul Walker’s brother won’t help revive late actor’s character for ‘Fast’ franchise finale

Cody Walker, the younger brother of the late actor Paul Walker, says he has no plans to help bring his brother’s “Fast & Furious” character, Brian O’Conner, back to the screen for the franchise’s upcoming finale — and that the call belongs to Paul Walker’s daughter, not him.

Paul Walker died in a car crash in November 2013 during a break from filming “Furious 7.” At the time, many of his scenes were unfinished, and production halted as the cast mourned. Filmmakers ultimately completed the film using visual effects and stand-in work from Cody Walker, his brother Caleb Walker, and actor John Brotherton, who together filled in for scenes their brother had not yet shot, including a modified ending in which Brian drives off to retire with his family.

Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Cody Walker said the decision on any further use of the character should rest with Meadow Walker, Paul Walker’s daughter, who appeared in “Fast X.” “I would not be interested in doing that again,” he said, adding that he considers Brian’s “Furious 7” sendoff a fitting conclusion. He noted that advances in artificial intelligence and years of unused footage from earlier films could allow the studio to bring the character back without his or Caleb Walker’s involvement.

The comments come after “Fast” franchise star and producer Vin Diesel announced at a 2025 FuelFest car event that Brian would factor into the finale’s story, telling the crowd his conditions included returning the franchise to Los Angeles and street racing and “reuniting” Dom and Brian O’Conner. Universal has since officially confirmed the film’s title, “Fast Forever,” for a March 17, 2028, release.

Cody Walker, who stood beside Diesel during the FuelFest announcement, told EW he still doesn’t know what to expect. He said Diesel treats the process “very ethereal” and is carrying significant weight to make the franchise’s final chapter live up to expectations.