Paul Walker’s brother says AI could bring Brian O’Conner back for Fast Forever

Paul Walker AI is the question hanging over Brian O’Conner’s next appearance. Paul Walker’s brother Cody Walker says he will not return as a stand-in for Brian O’Conner in Fast Forever, but believes artificial intelligence could let the filmmakers bring the character back using unused footage of his late brother.

Walker told Entertainment Weekly, as reported by IGN and Variety, that any decision should be led by Paul Walker’s daughter, Meadow. Cody and Caleb Walker previously helped complete Paul’s scenes in Furious 7 after his death during production in 2013.

Paul Walker AI and Brian O’Conner’s possible return

Cody Walker said he is happy with the way Brian left the series. The character was not killed off: Brian retired from the crew to raise his children with Mia Toretto, played by Jordana Brewster.

“My stance is, it’s what Meadow wants to see done; it’s her father,” Cody Walker said.

He added that he would not be interested in doing the stand-in work again. His view is that the production would not need him or Caleb if Meadow approved a return, because the series has years of unused footage and modern visual-effects tools.

Fast Forever is due in cinemas in March 2028

Universal lists Fast Forever for cinemas on 17 March 2028. The film is expected to close the mainline Fast & Furious saga, while Vin Diesel has previously said he wants the finale to reunite Dom Toretto and Brian.

That would be a new approach to the character. Furious 7 used stand-ins, visual effects and Paul Walker’s existing footage to complete his final performance. The film’s closing drive with Dom gave Brian a farewell without killing him off.

Tbreak has already reported that Fast Forever is expected to start shooting in December. For the wider franchise, here is how to watch the Fast & Furious films in chronological order.

The studio has not confirmed that it will use AI, nor has it explained how Brian would appear in the finale.