‘Fast and Furious 8’ Updates: Paul Walker Lives On; Digital Enhancements, Walker Look-Alike? [video]
ByFans of "Fast and Furious 8" may still see Brian O'Connor, the late Paul Walkers' character, in a cameo thanks to the help of digital enhancements and the Walker brothers. Whether the cameo pushes through, the movie may still pay tribute to the late actor by adding Walker look-alike, Scott Eastwood (of "Suicide Squad" fame), who will join the eight installment of the "Fast and Furious" franchise.
Paul Walker died in a car crash in 2013, just before completing his scenes in "Fast and Furious 7." Through the help of the late actor's brothers, Cody and Caleb Walker, the movie was completed with the whole gang intact.
In Furious 7, post-production technology was used to digitally attached the Walker's face into his brothers who finished the scenes left after his death. It also helped that the brothers bear close resemblance to each other.
Hence, for the eight installment of the "Fast and Furious" franchise, fans are anticipating if Walker will do a cameo using the same technology of the previous movie.
According to a Movie News Guide report, "Fast and Furious 8" star Vin Diesel supposedly contacted the Walker brothers. They have expressed interest to be part of the new movie. However, conflicting news suggest that the Walker family is reluctant to use digital enhancements to keep O'Connor (Walker) alive in subsequent movies.
Without any confirmation of a possible cameo, the movie can still pay tribute to the late actor. This may be possible with Eastwood's entry in the film, playing a government agent under the command of Mr. Nobody, played by Kurt Russell.
Eastwood bears an uncanny resemblance to Walker, prompting speculations from fans that the actor could also be O'Connor's brother in the movie according to Digital Spy. In this way, Walker will still live on as Brian O'Connor, ensuring his mark and legacy in the series.
The "Fast and Furious 8" release date will be on April 14, 2017.