Dwayne Johnson Returns For New “Fast”

By
Garth Franklin
-
Universal Pictures

It’s official, Dwayne Johnson is back for another “Fast and Furious” movie.

Johnson announced the news today on social media, the action star is set to lead a currently untitled new ‘Fast’ project at Universal. Franchise regular screenwriter Chris Morgan, who last penned “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw,” is handling the script.

The new movie is NOT a spinoff ala “Hobbs & Shaw,” nor is it the next direct entry. Instead, the film will serve as a bridging chapter between “Fast X” and “Fast 11” and is expected to star other ‘Fast’ regulars as well.

The return marks a major reversal for the star who previously and repeatedly insisted he was done with the franchise following his clashes with franchise star/producer Vin Diesel. Diesel is not expected to star in this side chapter.

In the posting today, Johnson says his famous feud with Diesel is over:

“Last summer Vin and I put all the past behind us. We’ll lead with brotherhood and resolve – and always take care of the franchise, characters & FANS that we love.

Despite us having our differences, me and Vin, we’ve been like brothers for years. When you lead with the idea of, number one, resolve, but also…you just think about the future, you just think about plans that are much bigger than ourselves. And those bigger plans are the bigger build-outs, those bigger plans are the North Star.”

After “Fast X” was completed, Johnson was convinced to come back for a cameo which now appears to be the start of something more. Johnson, Morgan, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Jeff Kirschenbaum and Neal Moritz will produce.

The new movie also allows Universal to extend the life of the franchise with “Fast X” having opened No. 1 around the world in May and crossing the $500 million mark in its second weekend.