Paul Walker: Rupert Friend, James Marsden Could Take Walker’s Roles

Paul Walker in a file photo. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan)

Paul Walker’s death in November have forced film producers to recast their main roles.

Walker is slated to appear in “Fast & Furious 7” when it releases in April 2015, but only in limited capacity. He died Nov. 30 in a fiery car crash and was in the midst of filming the movie. Universal Studios have decided to use the remaining footage of him and will “retire” his character, according to reports.

But for the upcoming “Agent 47,” which Walker was to take a starring role, Variety magazine reported that Rupert Friend of the show “Homeland” could possibly take Walker’s place.

Friend, according to E! News, is “in talks to replace” Walker in the film, said a source.

“It looked as if this film would not be able to move forward, since the production start date was set for February [2014] and there was no major star involved,” the source explained.

The plot details of “Agent 47” have not been disclosed. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Agent 47 is a bald-headed assassin who appears in the “Hitman” movie, which is also a video game franchise.

“Agent 47” is said to be a sequel to the 2007 film “Hitman,” which starred Timothy Olyphant.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, James Marsden is said to have been tapped to appear in “The Best of Me.” He’s in “early talks” for the film role, a source said.

“Marsden has the offer and is just beginning negotiations,” wrote the Reporter, citing unnamed sources.

“The Best of Me” is a film about two former highschool sweethearts who reunite later after they return to their small hometown in North Carolina. Michelle Monaghan is the female star of the film.

The final Walker film, “Hours,” was released on Dec. 13 in limited capacity.

Veteran actor Kurt Russell, who will appear in “Fast & Furious 7,” recently told reporters that he and the other actors of the film are still waiting for what’s going to happen next.

“At the time, we were talking about [my character] possibly going into a future episode as a sort of father-figure to Vin and Paul’s character — or possibly die in Fast and Furious 7,” said Russell.

He added: “The character was created to go either way, and it will be interesting to see what they do now, if there’s any change in that. I don’t know if there will be. But obviously, they’re working hard on doing what they have to do to try to make that thing work. I think they’re going to gear up again in February or March, so we’ll see.”

“Fast & Furious 7” will premiere April 10, 2005.