Paul Walker Replaced in `Agent 47’ by ‘Homeland’ Actor Rupert Friend; Movie Almost Dropped After Walker's Death; Very Different Role for Friend

Paul Walker, who died in a tragic car crash in November, was replaced by Rupert Friend, from the cable series "Homeland" in the upcoming movie "Agent 47."

Paul Walker was set to start production on "Agent 47" when he died in a crash when the car he was riding in lost control at speeds of over 100 MPH. British actor Rupert Friend, who stars in "Homeland" is in talks to take on the role Paul Walker was set to play in Fox International productions movie "Agent 47."

"Agent 47"was greenlighted in large part due to Paul Walker's commitment. After Walker died it looked like the movie wouldn't be able to move forward. It was slated to begin production in February and no major star was attached.

"Agent 47" is a reboot or a sequel, depending on the media report, of the 2007 action movie "Hitman," which starred Timothy Olyphant. The 2007 "Hitman" movie was based on the Square Enix videogame. Hitman grossed a moderate $92 million worldwide after production costs of $25 million. An insider said that Agent 47 would move forward because of the videogame's popularity overseas. Fox International was willing to give the film a shot even without a star like Walker.

Aleksander Bach is set to direct "Agent 47." The screenplay was written Skip Woods and Michael Finch.  Skip Woods wrote the first film. Agent 47 will be produced by Chuck Gordon, Alex Young and Adrian Askarieh. Agent 47 will be distributed by 20th Century Fox. Daniel Alter is the be executive producer.

"Agent 47″ is a different kind of film for Rupert Friend. Although he's best known for "Homeland," Friend often appears in period films like "The Libertine," Joe Wright's "Pride and Prejudice," film "The Young Victoria" and "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas," which was directed by Mark Herman. Friend recently finished shooting the independent film "Meet Me in Montenegro" from director Alex Holdridge, who made "In Search of a Midnight Kiss." Friend is next set to star in David Mackenzie's drama "Starred Up."

On November 30, Paul Walker and his longtime friend Roger Rodas died in a car explosion in Southern California. According to the report, the car crashed into a pole and several trees on Hercules Street in Santa Clarita. The force of the crash was so strong that the car continued spinning after the driver's side hit a light pole and tree. The car continued spinning until Walker's passenger side slammed into another tree and burst into flames. Walker had been in Santa Clarita for a fundraiser benefiting his charity Reach Out Worldwide.