Paul Walker’s younger brother Cody is to pursue an acting career after stepping in to help Fast and Furious 7 film-makers complete the action sequel, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Cody, 26, and brother Caleb, 37, were asked by studio Universal to stand in for Walker after the series regular was killed in a high speed California car crash 17 months ago. Now it appears the younger Walker, who had no previous acting experience, hopes to forge a career in the movies. Cody is reportedly working with his late brother’s manager Matt Luber at Luber Rocklin Entertainment and has taken meetings with Hollywood talent agencies.
According to the Hollywood Reporter there is no suggestion at this stage that Cody would look to take Paul’s place in the Fast and Furious franchise, one of Universal’s most lucrative properties. Furious 7 is expected to smash US records for an April opening when it debuts over the Easter weekend.
Walker had not completed all his scenes when the limited-edition Porsche he was travelling in crashed in Valencia, southern California, in November 2013. As well as Caleb and Cody doubling for the actor, CGI was also used to complete the film.
In related news, car manufacturer Porsche has denied its vehicle was to blame for the death of Walker and his driver, Roger Rodas, following the high-speed accident. In a response to a May 2014 legal complaint from Rodas’s widow, Kristine M Rodas, Porsche Cars North America said the driver himself was responsible for the fatalities. The company claimed the 2005 Porsche Carrera GT was “misused or improperly maintained”, an oversight which it said “contributed to the alleged incident and to the injuries, loss, and damages, if any”.
Rodas previously claimed the accident was caused by the failure of the car’s suspension system, as well as a lack of proper safety features, according to The Wrap.
