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Paul Walker at a movie premiere event
TV & Film

Paul Walker Could Return to 'Fast & Furious' via AI, Says Brother Cody

Cody Walker confirmed he won't be standing in for his late brother in the final installment, but hinted tech could still bring Brian O'Conner back.

By Rae MitchellPublished Updated 2 min read

The *Fast & Furious* family might be preparing to bring Brian O'Conner back to the big screen for one final ride. Late franchise icon Paul Walker could potentially make an appearance in the upcoming ultimate installment of the action saga, according to recent updates shared by his younger brother, Cody Walker. Speaking on the future of the beloved film series, Cody dished on how filmmakers might choose to incorporate Paul's legacy as the multi-billion-dollar franchise prepares to cross its finish line. Among the possibilities discussed was the potential deployment of artificial intelligence and cutting-edge digital recreation to recreate the late actor's likeness on screen.

Will Paul Walker Be in the Final Fast & Furious Movie?

Paul Walker at a movie premiere event
Paul Walker at a movie premiere event

Ever since Paul's sudden passing in 2013, fans of the high-octane franchise have debated how the story of Brian O'Conner should permanently conclude. During the filming of *Furious 7*, production famously paused before Cody and his brother Caleb stepped in as body doubles. Visual effects artists then mapped Paul's face over theirs to complete his unfilmed scenes, providing a tear-jerking tribute that saw his character drive off into the sunset. However, Cody confirmed that he will not be stepping in front of the camera this time around. While discussing the upcoming final movie, he clarified that he has no personal involvement in the project, effectively ruling out another on-set performance as a stand-in for his late sibling.

Cody Walker, Paul Walker, and Caleb Walker pose together.
Cody and brother Caleb Walker stood in for Paul in “Furious 7” when he died in a 2013 car accident. The three are seen above together.

Is Fast & Furious Using AI to Recreate Paul Walker?

Portrait of Paul Walker from "The Fast and the Furious".
Cody said he personally would not be involved in the franchise’s final movie, but if Paul’s daughter Meadow wants it done, he thinks it’s her decision. Paul is seen above in 2001. ©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection

With Cody officially sitting out the production, any potential inclusion of Paul would rely entirely on digital wizardry. The rapid evolution of AI technology and advanced computer-generated imagery has made posthumous cameos far more common in major blockbusters, opening the door for studios to revisit iconic characters with remarkable precision. Even without Cody physically on set to assist the visual effects team, modern studio tech could allow the filmmakers to craft a digital appearance for Brian O'Conner. While no official plans have been formally locked in by the studio, Cody's comments highlight that discussions around honoring Paul's memory remain a priority as the blockbuster series heads toward its dramatic conclusion.

The photos · 6

Paul Walker at a movie premiere event
Cody and brother Caleb Walker stood in for Paul in “Furious 7” when he died in a 2013 car accident. The three are seen above together.
Cody said he personally would not be involved in the franchise’s final movie, but if Paul’s daughter Meadow wants it done, he thinks it’s her decision. Paul is seen above in 2001. ©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection
“If Meadow would like to see that, they don’t need me or Caleb,” he said. Paul is seen here in a scene from “The Fast and the Furious” in 2001. ©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection
“Fast & Furious” producer and star Vin Diesel teased the return of Paul’s character during his appearance at FuelFest in June 2025. The two are seen above. ©MCA/Courtesy Everett Collection
“AI was not a thing back in 2014 … there’s years of footage that was never used from these other ‘Fast’ films,” Cory noted. Paul is seen here in 2009. ©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection

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People also ask

Will Cody Walker be in the final Fast & Furious movie?
No, Cody Walker confirmed that he will not have any involvement in the franchise's final installment.
How could Paul Walker appear in future Fast & Furious films?
According to his brother Cody, filmmakers could potentially use artificial intelligence or digital visual effects to recreate Paul Walker's likeness.