Paul Walker Movie Replacements: Rupert Friend, James Marsden To Replace Deceased 'Fast & Furious 7' Actor In Upcoming Film Roles, Report Says

Two well-known actors are reportedly in talks to replace deceased “Fast & Furious” star Paul Walker in movie projects.

Rupert Friend, 32, has reportedly signed on to replace Walker in “Agent 47,” an upcoming sequel to the 2007 action film “Hitman.” The British actor is best known for portraying Quinn in the hit Showtime series “Homeland.”

Specific details on the film’s plot are currently unknown, but production was slated to begin in February, Variety reports. Walker is said to have been a major factor in Fox International’s decision to greenlight the sequel; the late actor’s death caused some to speculate that “Agent 47” would be shelved. However, with the addition of Friend, filming will remain on schedule.

In addition, “Anchorman 2” actor James Marsden, 40, has reportedly entered negotiations to potentially replace Walker in the upcoming film adaptation of “The Best of Me,” the Hollywood Reporter says. Based on the novel by acclaimed romance author Nicholas Sparks, the movie will explore the relationship of two high school sweethearts who rekindle their former romance when they both return to their hometown.

Marsden has received an offer to replace Walker, but is still in the early stages of negotiations, the Hollywood Reporter notes. Actress Michelle Monaghan has already signed on to play “The Best of Me’s” female lead.

Walker died last November after being involved in a high-speed car crash in Los Angeles. He was 40 years old.

In January, Universal, the studio behind the “Fast & Furious” series, announced that Brian O’Conner, Walker’s character in the film series, would not be killed off in “Fast & Furious 7,” The Hollywood Reporter notes. Instead, the studio plans to “retire” the character, allowing the film series to continue without its fallen star.