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Scott Eastwood opens up on continuing friend Paul Walker's 'legacy' in 'Furious' movie

The actor is making his first appearance in the "Fast and Furious" franchise.
/ Source: TODAY

"The Fast and the Furious" franchise is known for a lot of crazy stunts and gorgeous cars. But the latest installment, "The Fate of the Furious," has a special resonance for actor Scott Eastwood.

Eastwood, the son of Oscar-winner Clint, was good friends with "Furious" star Paul Walker, who died in a car crash in 2013 while taking a break from filming "Furious 7," which was ultimately released two years later. And in many ways, Eastwood is stepping into the vacancy created by Walker's absence in the new film.

RELATED: Scott Eastwood posts tribute to Paul Walker: 'I am going to make you proud'

"He was [a good friend]," Eastwood told TODAY's Savannah Guthrie Wednesday.

Paul Walker
Paul Walker in 2001's "The Fast and the Furious."Alamy Stock

We don't doubt it. When Eastwood was cast in the role last year, he sent out a heartfelt Instagram with a message for fans and Walker alike:

On the show Wednesday, Eastwood also acknowledged that Walker's absence was very present on the set while filming. "It was on my mind, it was on everybody's mind who was friends with him [while] making the film, the entire cast," he said.

FAST & FURIOUS 8 (2017) TYRESE GIBSON LUDACRIS SCOTT EASTWOOD DWAYNE JOHNSON NATHALIE EMMANUEL MICHELLE RODRIGUEZ F. GARY GRAY
Alamy Stock

"Ultimately I decided, 'What better way to continue his legacy than to keep making these films that everybody loves so much?'" added Eastwood.

At 31, Eastwood has an ease with the camera and a poise beyond his years, but it's quite possible he learned about Hollywood from the master: his dad. So did he get any advice from The Man With No Name about how to do his job?

RELATED: Scott Eastwood's Halloween costume pays tribute to dad Clint's most iconic role

"'Shut up and listen,'" Eastwood revealed on Wednesday with a grin. "That's a life tip."

It sure is!

"Fate of the Furious" opens in theaters on Friday, April 14.

Follow Randee Dawn on Twitter.