'Fast And Furious 7' Release Date Is April 3! Will Brother Cody Walker Star In 'Fast 8'? [RUMOR, PHOTOS]

The "Fast and Furious 7" release date is now April 3, which means it will arrive to theaters exactly one week sooner than we thought! What do you expect when you're working with the fastest crew in the business? "Fast and Furious 7" was originally slated for July 2014, but production was immediately halted upon the tragic loss of star Paul Walker in a devastating car accident last year. Given the difficult loss of a great friend and a core member of the cast, it is truly inspirational to see "Fast and Furious 7" completed at all.

A one week shift usually suggests competition in the theaters, but research shows "Fast and Furious 7" is not contending with any major release on April 10. In fact, the new April 3 date puts it right up against "The Longest Ride," based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks. Call us biased, but we are confident that "Fast and Furious 7" has nothing to worry about.

Vin Diesel will be joined by Michelle Rodriguez, Dwayne Johnson, Ludacris, Jordana Brewster, and Tyrese Gibson. Lucas Black from Tokyo Drift will return as well. New cast members include Jason Statham, Djimon Hounsou, Tony Jaa, Ronda Rousey, and Kurt Russell. Let's not forget that Paul Walker’s brothers, Caleb and Cody will join production as well to help complete Brian O’Connor's story arc.

Actor Ludacris had shared his thoughts about Cody and Caleb Walker working on the production to finish what their brother had started. Ludacris had called the experience with the brothers scary because they look and sound just like Paul.

What's more, according to Entertainment Weekly, Cody Walker may actually become a new fixture to the "Fast and Furious" franchise. Rather than act as Paul Walker's replacement, EW reports that Cody Walker may star in "Fast and Furious 8" as a whole new character.

"If Walker's brother does a great job and is well received by audiences in this newly conceived role, then who better to carry on the Walker tradition than his brother," said senior media analyst and veteran box office expert Paul Dergarabedian. "When it's a family member who fills in, it seems to soften any criticism that could develop. Look at Jason Bonham (son of the late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham), when he has filled in for his respected and beloved father, everyone was cool with it because they kept it in the family. Universal is keeping it in the family and it's tough to argue with the strategy... I think that it's a meritocracy and that's appropriate."

Earlier, we have also confirmed that Vin Diesel will have a new hero car in "Fast and Furious 7." Be sure to read our past story on Dom Toretto's sick Plymouth Barracuda. Stay tuned as we learn more about "Fast and Furious 7" in the months ahead. See the latest images from the new movie below: