“F9” director Justin Lin is telling “Fast & Furious” fans that late star Paul Walker is still “a part of the universe” nearly 8 years after his death.
Following his tragic car accident in November 2013, fans last saw Walker in the franchise when he drove off into the sunset in “Furious 7,” the movie he had been filming at the time of his death, ET reports.
The latest installment continues to pay tribute to Walker.
"He's so special I know to me personally and to all the fans around the world and it's something that we don't take lightly," Lin told the outlet.
Walker played the role of Brian O’Connor throughout the “Fast and Furious” films between 2001 and 2015. While he didn't appear in 2017's "The Fate of the Furious," his character, who is still alive in the franchise, is referenced in "F9."
According to ET, the late actor is mentioned at the end of the film after Dom, played by Vin Diesel, points out an empty chair during a family dinner. Jordana Brewster, who plays Walker's wife Mia, responds that "he's on the way."
"I'm proud and I'm so happy that Brian O'Conner is still a part of the universe," Lin added. "I talk to Vin all the time about how we can honor him respectfully."
Walker's brothers, Caleb and Cody, and daughter, Meadow, are also involved with honoring Walker’s memory behind the scenes.
Ludacris, who plays the role of Tej Parker, said "They are the ones that are spearheading and signing off on all the ideas. So, it's really about being close with his family."
Earlier this week, Meadow opened up on how her dad’s legacy still lives through her as well.
"I was quite a tomboy growing up," the upcoming fashion model told Vogue. "The way I was raised, especially with my dad, there wasn't a focus on (makeup). We would do boys’ activities, roll around in the mud, play soccer and just be crazy.”
Last week, Diesel teased the idea of Meadow Walker, 22, appearing in upcoming “Fast and Furious” films, telling E! News’ "Without giving you all of the secrets of Fast 10 ... let's just say nothing's ruled out."
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