As Paul Walker's death has left a huge void in the cast of the Fast and Furious series, all manner of rumors about which stars could fit the mold have been afloat.

Paul Walker's Character To Be Replaced By Brother, Cody, In Furious 8?    

Most recently, Venture Capital Post speculates that Eva Mendes, who played Agent Fuentes in Fast and Furious 2 and 5, will be brought back to amp up the franchise's star power. This seems like a very viable suggestion, and Mendes' presence would definitely help bolster the movie's existing cast lineup.

Universal chairman Donna Langley recently dished about the great success of Furious 7 and remembered Walker in a special keynote ineraction at The Hollywood Reporter's ninth annual Power Players breakfast.

Furious 7 Should Win Best Oscar, According To Vin Diesel 

Langley suggested that the franchise took a great hit losing Walker and that casting was one of the most crucial factors in The Fast and the Furious universe. This means the franchise is likely to push the envelope in the casting department for Fast and Furious 8.

"[Paul Walker] brought something very unique and very special to the franchise, but we've always tried to up the ante both with the casting and what the movies are about," Langley said at the event.

Speaking about the success of Furious 7 she also dished about how they were surprised by China's response to the movie, where it made $325.8 million at the box office.

"We go in assuming we're going to do zero in China. So it's a nice surprise," she said.

To fill the gaping space that Walker's death left in the franchise, the studio's casting team definitely has a huge challenge ahead of them.

Some publications have already started to speculate about the casting for the next film and wishlists are up. Recently Billboard suggested Jaden Smith join the crew as a protege to Tej (Ludacris).

Furious 7 hit theaters on April 3, 2015.

Watch an extended scene featuring some car action here:

Tags: Fast and Furious 8 Furious 7 Movies