The feud between former “Fast & Furious” co-stars Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson has been going on fairly publicly for years.
In July during the “Jungle Cruise” junket, Dwayne Johnson made it clear he had no intention of returning to the main “Fast and Furious” film series (but would be up for a “Hobbs & Shaw” sequel).
Surprisingly Diesel posted on social media in November that he had asked Johnson to come back to the ‘family’ for the final two main films. It seemed an attempt to bury the hatchet, but now Johnson has revealed the timing of the post is baffling as he had already privately turned down Diesel’s offer months earlier and that remains his stance. He tells CNN:
“I was very surprised by Vin’s recent post. 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. 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.”
While most of the feud has been prideful macho barbs thrown at each other, this is a more serious and carefully worded response than past ones from Johnson. The actor joined the franchise with “Fast Five” in 2011 and stayed on for the sixth through eighth entries.
The Justin Lin-helmed tenth “Fast and Furious” remains on track for a release in the first half of 2023.
