'Fast 8' Cast & Release Date: Is Paul Walker's Brother Cody Joining the Film?

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Jan 29, 2016 04:41 AM EST

New reports claimed that Paul Walker's brother, Cody will not be returning in "Fast and Furious 8."

Paul's sudden death was a struggle for the team to finish "Fast and Furious 7." However, they successfully made it through CGI and by using Paul's younger brother Cody as his double.

Following the success of "Furious 7," many are wondering if Cody will still appear in "Fast and Furious 8." Unfortunately, based on the new reports, it is unlikely to see the younger Walker in the upcoming franchise.

"There's no truth behind it," a rep from Universal Pictures told Polygon, squashing the rumors that Cody will appear in "Fast 8."

Cody's association to "Fast 8" started when Movie News Guide noticed that his name was added to the IMDb credits for the anticipated film. At the time, the eighth installment was being referred as "Furious 8." However, his name was removed from the list not long after.

Another issue that sparked Cody's involvement in "Fast and Furious 8" was Ron Meyer's interview with Variety way back in October where he teased that Paul wouldn't be in the upcoming "Fast and Furious" films but his character will still be represented.

"Paul won't be in it, but he'll be represented in some form or another but whether his image is in it, I can't tell you yet, but he won't be in the film as a performer, as an actor, the way we did it last time," Meyer said. "It will still be 'Fast and Furious,' it will just be without Paul."

Fans were quick to speculate that Cody might be representing his brother in one way or another. However, it is also possible that Paul's character will be represented in flashbacks.

Parent Herald previously reported that there would be no more CGI for Paul in "Fast 8." "We're lucky that we have a lot of great characters. Unfortunately, we don't have Paul anymore. His character... has moved on," franchise producer Neal H. Mortiz said. "But we feel like there's a lot still to be mined. That's where we're starting. We're really talking about the characters, where they all sit right now. It's a huge challenge."

CinemaBlend agreed that Paul is a key part of "Fast and Furious" franchise. However, since he is gone, the movies should also let him go, which is a good thing. Any attempts to keep the character in the franchise would be difficult to work.

Fans are aware that Paul's character will not return and the franchise has enough star power. Moreover, the team has already given the actor a nice tribute at the end of the "Furious 7."

"Fast and Furious 8" premieres on April 14, 2017.

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