Despite headlining star Paul Walker's death this past November, the Fast & Furious franchise shows no signs of slowing down just yet. The cast and crew of Fast & Furious 7 decided to continue shooting their latest sequel, with brothers Cody Walker and Caleb Walker acting as stand-ins for the few unfinished scenes that Paul Walker had left. A new rumor now claims that Cody Walker, an accomplished actor and stuntman in his own right, has been an important and powerful presence on the set, and will get his own character as the series continues.

Paul Walker had shot most of his scenes before his untimely demise. He will be digitally recreated using advanced CGI technology, utilizing both Cody Walker and Caleb Walker as body doubles. The original screenplay was altered so that Walker's character Brian O'Conner could retire and head off into the sunset, as opposed to dying on screen. How will that affect future sequels? Apparently, Cody will play Brian O'Conner's never-before-mentioned brother in a role that will pretty much replace O'Conner, with this sibling joining Dom and his team.

Cody Walker talks about standing in for his late brother in this AP interview from a few months ago.

Cody Walker joining the Fast & Furious franchise cast has not been confirmed by Universal Pictures at this time. As of now, it's a purely speculative rumor.

A source close to the production had this to say,

"Of course, Cody isn't a replacement for Paul in any way, but the producers were really grateful that he stepped in to help them finish this last film and Cody is so likeable and charming. It would be a tribute to Paul that Cody carries on the Walker name in the Fast & Furious movies."

Brian O'Conner, his wife Mia and their young son will literally walk into the sunset at some point in Fast & Furious 7. Cody Walker was recently spotted shooting scenes on the beach with co-star Jordana Brewster, who is likely leaving the franchise as well. They shared a tender embrace on the beaches of Malibu in one of these parting shots. To see those set photos: CLICK HERE

If this story is true, expect Cody Walker's O'Conner brother character to be introduced during the climax of Fast & Furious 7.