The long-running feud between Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson, former co-stars of the “Fast & Furious” franchise, is well documented. Both have made their public jabs at the other. Both have flexed their proverbial pride muscles enough to rip their sleeves off. And shockingly, back in November, Diesel posted on social media about how he was asking Johnson to come back to the “family” for the final two ‘F&F’ films. It seemed like it was a good-faith gesture that very well might fully squash the bad blood between the actors. Well, despite the outreach, there won’t be a Dwayne Johnson appearance in the ‘Fast’ finale.
READ MORE: Vin Diesel Publicly Pleads With Dwayne Johnson For An On-Screen Reunion In ‘Fast 10’
And the real twist? That social media post in November seems a bit odd in retrospect, given Johnson’s timeline of events.
Speaking to CNN, Johnson was asked about his potential future in the “Fast & Furious” franchise. The actor stood firm in his decision not to return. But most interesting to ‘Fast’ fans who were hoping for a family reunion, it appears Johnson told Diesel he would not be returning in June… months before Diesel’s public message. And it seems as if Johnson doesn’t respect Diesel’s apparent motives for the post.
“I was very surprised by Vin’s recent post,” said Johnson. “This past June, when Vin and I actually connected not over social media, I told him directly – and privately – that I would not be returning to the franchise. I was firm yet cordial with my words and said that I would always be supportive of the cast and always root for the franchise to be successful, but that there was no chance I would return. I privately spoke with my partners at Universal as well, all of whom were very supportive as they understand the problem.”
He continued, “Vin’s recent public post was an example of his manipulation. I didn’t like that he brought up his children in the post, as well as Paul Walker’s death. Leave them out of it. We had spoken months ago about this and came to a clear understanding. My goal all along was to end my amazing journey with this incredible ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise with gratitude and grace. It’s unfortunate that this public dialogue has muddied the waters. Regardless, I’m confident in the ‘Fast’ universe and its ability to consistently deliver for the audience, and I truly wish my former co-stars and crew members the best of luck and success in the next chapter.”
No, these comments don’t have the barbs and zingers of some of the sillier feud comments of the past year or so. But these might be the most damning of all, as it’s clear Johnson is removing all pretense and flat-out calling Diesel manipulative and using his children and Paul Walker to somehow bring favor to his side of the argument. That’s some heavy shit. And to be fair, it’s perhaps the most familial aspect of the whole thing, as who hasn’t been through this sort of down and dirty argument with a family member?
As of now, “Fast & Furious 10,” the first part of a two-part ‘Fast’ finale, is expected to arrive in theaters, sans Dwayne Johnson, on May 19, 2023.