Paul Walker Character still alive in ‘Fast & Furious 7'

The destiny of “Fast & Furious 7″ was ambiguous in the days and weeks following Walker’s tragic death, but facts of how the fast-racing franchise will move its seventh installment forward are starting to come to light.

In the case of Walker’s fan-favorite character, former federal agent Brian O’Conner, fans can breathe an exhalation of respite: Art won’t replicate life, in this case.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the team behind “Fast & Furious 7” has decided to “leave” the character of Brian O’Conner, rather than not using him in the film at all — or, even inferior, killing the character off. 

(Files Photo) In this file photo dated May 7, 2013 shows US actor Paul Walker arriving at the world premiere of "Fast and Furious 6" at the Empire cinema in Leicester Square in central London.  Walker, one of the stars of the popular "Fast and Furious" fast-car action movies, died in an auto crash on Saturday, his publicists said on his social media accounts November 30, 2013.

Director James Wan, writer Chris Morgan and Universal’s Jeffrey Kirschenbaum spent weeks considering on how or whether to use existing recording of Walker, after he died, according to report.

“The trio then premeditated a plan to squeeze the existing cursive so that Walker would remain a part of the story but could be written out, permitting the license to continue without him, The changes will require some extra scenes to be written and shot, but the eight-month interruption of release provides plenty of time,” THR report states.

Whatever the difficulties, one aspect is pure: Brian O’Conner has a part to play in “Fast & Furious 7,” and it won’t end with his death. Fans can be thankful for that much, at least.

“Fast & Furious 7″ hits theaters on April 10, 2015.