One of the keys to the early success of the “Fast and Furious” franchise was the late Paul Walker.
Both Walker and Vin Diesel were the lead faces of the first seven films, with Walker passing away during production on the seventh feature.
As a result of that, a combination of body doubles involving the actor’s brothers and some CG assistance turned “Furious 7” into a proper send off which saw his Brian O’Conner character to drive off ‘into the sunset’ and retire to a quiet life.
The eighth and ninth films briefly mention him, with the latter strongly hinting at his arrival for a family BBQ at the Toretto House in Los Angeles in the story’s final moments.
Speaking with Total Film recently, “Fast X” director says Louis Leterrier confirms he’s incorporated Walker’s character in the upcoming sequel in some way, but only in a flashback capacity. He’s most likely referring to the retconned scenes of the “Fast Five” finale which were glimpsed in the “Fast X” trailer the other day:
“Well, Brian is very much alive in the world of Fast & Furious, and they’ve teased him a lot in the previous movies. In 9, we see the car coming.
It’s something that is planned. This movie jumps back and forth between the past and the present. You will see Brian in the past, you won’t see Brian in the present.
It’s something that everybody has to be on board with. The Walker family is still very much a part of this franchise, you’ll see how in this movie. It just has to be the right moment, the right tone.”
He adds that “Brian has to re-enter the franchise as perfectly as he left it” which suggests they’re taking great care in terms of how they incorporate the character again.
The new film sees Rita Moreno, Brie Larson, and Jason Momoa joining the cast alongside returnees like Diesel, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Michelle Rodriguez, Ludacris, Nathalie Emmanuel, Sung Kang, John Cena, Charlize Theron, Cardi B, Helen Mirren, Michael Rooker and Scott Eastwood.
“Fast X” is set to open in cinemas on May 19th.
